Thank you to all our sponsors, performers. Thank you to everyone who came, and thank you to our volunteers. I got a message from Libby Barrie this morning at 2 am. I thought her words summed up the event beautifully. Thank you Libby (and Tim).
As I drove away from Paris Fairgrounds at 1:45 am this evening (or morning I guess) I couldn’t help be laugh at the fact that it was STILL raining! Who would have thought? : )
The reason I left with such a feeling of joy had everything to do with Heather Snell – her inspiration…her courage…the day that was…and YOU – the ARMY of friends, family, and strangers within our community that made Heather’s Hootenanny for Hope, 2008, a huge success! Thank you Ayr, Paris, Glen Morris, K-W, Brantford and beyond for embracing this cause and lending a hand.
At last count, the total of $$$ raised today was over $53,000…and you can all take pride knowing you were a part of making this happen! Congratulations, everyone! That’s no small feat, when you consider the copious amounts of rain that fell! This money will go into the research that will help to find a cure for ALS! That’s amazing!!
For any of you who weren’t there at the end of the night, I want to tell you that Heather was still dancing when Copperfield played the last song of the evening sometime after 11pm. The crowd was on their feet - laughing, swaying, and gathering around to cheer on Heather, and her family, as they celebrated the wonderful outcome of this event!
If the pleasure one finds on a long summer day is measured in smiles, compassion, a willingness to help, and a few hugs along the way, then today was the BRIGHTEST, WARMEST DAY of this summer…or any summer I can recall!
Thanks everyone, for having spirits that never dampened! I cannot express how grateful I am for your hard work! A.L.S. really is About Loving Someone – and today you proved that when we face adversity…we can rise above it, and with the help of others we can find hope - even in the midst of the storms! We must have learned this from Heather! : )
I hope you saw the rainbow over the Fairgrounds tonight! I also hope you have dried out, and that you feel a bit of the joy I’m feeling, too! Have a wonderful summer, and until we cross paths again, take good care!
Gratefully, Libby Barrie (and Tim too!)
After the incredible day that my family experienced yesterday I just had to leave a comment. I too received that incredible email from Libby. Heather, you are an inspiration to many! My eyes filled with tears of joy many times yesterday as I witnessed the love of your friends and family rally around you, the song that Karen wrote was remarkable. Heather you have taught so many people such an important lesson. Accept what you have been given and make the best of every day. My grandfather also had ALS and unfortunately did not accept it very well and got very angry. Thank you for teaching us all to live every day to its fullest and enjoy the people in our lives. I was able to discuss this with my children that you are a great role model for many of us. You are a hero!
wow! janice i never knew that about your grandfather! i am glad you and your family braved the weather and enjoyed the day! thanks for leaving a comment!
h xo
Hey Heather,
I heard that the Hootenanny was going to be a repeat performance. I would really have liked to come but had been to ON earlier in July.
Glad to hear it went so well and that you are being as plucky as ever. You go girl!
Always thinking of you.
J.
Vancouver
Hi Jay!
It was a great day-lots of laughs and lots of rain but the weather didn’t stop us from raising an amazing amount of cash. I tried to get to Sandy’s in July but alas-I chickened out! Did you say “plucky”??? Hahaha! Thanks for the note-you are sweet! The $$$ raised reaches far beyond Ayr and Paris and south-western Ontario!
Thanks again-and I’ll try and keep you posted with the final tally.
h xo
Look forward to it darling! You inspire so many.
J.
xoxo