The Blackburn Community Association is holding a benefit Saturday to raise funds for the victims of the Lakeland Mills tragedy.
President Linda Weissenmayer's son worked at Lakeland and luckily was off April 23, the night the explosion and fire took place. Another association member was on duty but was not harmed.
"Everybody knows somebody that worked there -- it's just affected everyone in the city," said Weissenmayer. "I say thank goodness it wasn't my son but it was a lot of other people's sons and their families and what can we do to help and that's where the idea for the benefit dance came from."
The disaster left mill workers Alan Little and Glenn Roche dead as a result of their injuries and 22 others hurt. The disaster left 150 Lakeland employees without jobs.
At the benefit dance, Carol Gass from The Wolf will be the master of ceremonies and Dance North members will come out and teach dance steps to those guests interested.
There's a silent auction, a 50/50, and a treasure box where keys are sold for $2 each.
Tickets are $25 in advance by calling 250-963-8457. They're also available at Alder Hill Golf Course, Shooters Beer Store, and Southside Shell in Pineview.
A free shuttle will ensure all patrons have a safe ride home from 10 p.m. onwards.
