Big turnout at fundraiser

A power outage Saturday evening did not prevent the local community from coming together in unison at the Erik Todd Benefit at the Whitehall Community Center.

Cara Sacry who helped with the event said the turnout was great at the fundraiser for Todd who suffered a serious head injury in a March 4 snowboarding accident.

"Sure, the power outage was an inconvenience, but it didn't damper our spirit. We, meaning the attendees, donors, and organizers had one goal and that was to help a local family whose world had changed in the blink of an eye. This community has enormous heart and willingness to help its neighbors. Erik's accident and journey to recovery has united us and provided us an opportunity to witness a miracle," Sacry said.

Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh was among the many in in attendance and estimated 400 people attended the event.

"It makes you realize what a wonderful town we live in and how everyone pulls together when something like this happens," she said. "It was a great fundraiser...It feels good to live in a small town and to nkow how many people care about each other."

In a Facebook post Monday, Erik's father John Todd thanked the local community for coming together at the benefit.

"Our family extends the greatest thanks for your continued kindness, generosity, and support. We are deeply indebted to each of you for the overwhelming outreach that has existed with Erik's fundraiser. We know it took an inordinate amount of energy, time and effort to pull together the fundraiser and thank all those that aided in its organization. We also thank those many outstanding individuals and organizations that donated to the cause and all those supporters that purchased goods and items. Thank you so much," he said.