Around 600 people munched hot dogs and pizza, listened to music and donated cash to help displaced Farmland workers during a county-wide benefit Tuesday at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory.

Wednesday, August 15, 2001

Around 600 people munched hot dogs and pizza, listened to music and donated cash to help displaced Farmland workers during a county-wide benefit Tuesday at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory.

Boosted by a $5,000 donation from the Albert Lea Union Center, the benefit raised about $8,000 Tuesday, said Jean Eaton, Executive Director of the United Way of Freeborn County.

That figure is sure to go up as more donations flow in today, Eaton said. In addition, matching funds will be provided by Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans. The final tally is expected to approach $20,000, Eaton said.

&uot;This fire could have happened to anybody,&uot; Eaton said. &uot;I think that’s why people are so generous – they realize it could have been them.&uot;

Local businesses donated all of the food and beverages, as well as 60 prizes that were raffled off during the benefit, Eaton said.

The money raised will pay for grocery certificates, which will be given to former Farmland workers.

Some of the proceeds from Tuesday’s benefit will carry over into another event planned Sept. 18, when Crossroads Farms will arrange a regional food drive, Eaton said.

&uot;Remember, our people are in continued need of services here in Freeborn County,&uot; Eaton said.

The United Way is also getting ready to kick off its annual fund drive, when it will raise money for its 16 member agencies in Freeborn County.