Organizers of the Streicher Family Benefit Dinner and Auction on July 25 at the Clifford Community Arena say the event was a community celebration.
“The family is very appreciative of the support they’ve received from the community, both local and far away,” said Karen Bertin, one of the organizers of the event, and a friend of the Streicher family.
With tickets sold for a cold plate dinner, followed by a silent and live auction of donated items that included household goods, gift certificates, farming supplies, and pies and quilts fitting with Amish tradition, Bertin said the event raised more than $10,000.
More than 500 people, including members of Mark and Susan Streicher’s family of 13 were on hand for the event.
Ten members of the family were injured in a serious accident shortly after midnight on June 6 when their horse-drawn buggy was struck by a car, injuring everyone in the buggy and seriously injuring two of the children, aged six and 10.
“Mark and the family are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and all the donations, whether it’s been 50 cents or more. They are truly blessed,” said Bertin, relaying a message on behalf of Mark Streicher.
For the July 25 dinner and auction, the Town of Minto donated the hall and the Clifford Community Church handled the evening’s events.
The community support, including driving the family to medical appointments and helping at the farm has been overwhelming, said Rob Unsworth, who helped coordinate support efforts.
“The donated items were more than could be auctioned in one night, so a second auction is being planned,” Bertin confirmed. The date is yet to be announced.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people, including anonymous donors and businesses, who have supported the family,” said Bertin. “The support has truly been overwhelming.”
Unsworth added, “At the end of the benefit, I was never so tired, so emotionally drained and never so proud of where I live.”
