Submitted by
Carolyn Gordon |
The Minitonas Lions teamed up with local residents, business owners and put on a supper to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Minitonas Community Store.
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Although the current owners, Barry & Connie Waito, have only owned the business for the past 2 years, they thought it was important to acknowledge and celebrate this important milestone! Barry also thought this would be a great opportunity to add in a local community fundraising component and raise money for the future enhancement of the Minitonas Town Hall.
The Supper & Auction were held on November 16th – hosted by the Minitonas Lions Club with Robert Gordon as MC for the evening. Steve Windsor said grace and a delicious supper was served at 6:30 p.m. During supper, those in attendance were able to take part in the ‘Silent Auction’ which raised approximately $300 for the hall project.
After Supper there was time for recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Minitonas Community Store. Harold & Sharon Holland spoke about how proud they were to be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary and the 50th Anniversary of the Store. Harold said that he & Sharon had many great memories and he thanked her for staying by his side through good times and hard times.
Sharon expressed how grateful she was that the Barry & Connie Waito took over the store because they are so dedicated to the community and she knows it’s in good hands going into the future. Barry & Connie thanked everyone for attending & there was a show of hands indicating that approximately 1/3 of those in attendance either worked for the Minitonas Community Store at one time or had a family member who worked there!
The anniversary cake was then cut & served it, along with ice-cream, to those in attendance.
Then the Main Auction began under the direction of Dennis Kalynuk, a very entertaining auctioneer!! There was approximately $5500 raised as a result of the generous buyers and the donations from businesses & local area residents.