Local residents showed their generosity March 2 at the Hope for Heidi fundraising cabaret, which benefitted local woman Heidi Vicary in her ongoing battle with cancer.
Melissa Hanson, who was one of the organizers for Hope for Heidi, said it was an “unbelievable” event. About 180 people, including many of Vicary’s family and friends, were in attendance at the event at the Beefeater Plaza.
“I think there was even people there that she didn’t know, but being Estevan, and the great support that it has for (people in) the community, it was fantastic,” said Hanson.
The benefit featured a supper, entertainment from two comedy acts, a silent auction that drew lots of donations and a raffle with some big-ticket items.
“I would say we had 50 donated items from people around the community, and most of them we didn’t ask for,” said Hanson. “Most of them people just came forward and asked us if they could donate stuff.”
The headlining comedian was Myles Morrison, and the warmup act was the Williamson Brothers. All three were from Saskatoon. Hanson had seen the Williamson Brothers before in Estevan, and thought they were great. But she hadn’t seen Morrison, a well-travelled comedian who came highly recommended.
“The comedians were great,” said Hanson. “They were funny. Everybody had lots of laughs.”
But the best part came when Vicary made a surprise appearance.
“She didn’t tell anybody, except for her parents, and her brother, who arranged the ride for her to come home,” said Hanson. “That was definitely the highlight of the evening, and I think that really brought the spirits up in everybody, and made the situation a little more real for some people.”
Vicary is currently in Airdrie, Alta, where she is receiving treatment for cancer. She is doing well, and is in good spirits. When she made an appearance at the benefit, Hanson said Vicary looked healthy and had a smile on her face.
“She just looks fantastic, and she has a great spirit,” said Hanson. “She is very positive, and I think that helps a lot.”
Hanson doesn’t have an estimate on how much money was raised at the cabaret, but she is confident that Hope for Heidi was a success and will be able to raise money for Vicary’s medical expenses as she continues to undergo treatments, and as she faces expenses associated with the treatments.
