Smitty's restaurant held a fundraiser for the Humboldt Broncos hockey team on Saturday afternoon, and while a bigger turnout was expected, over $1,000 was still raised through the combined efforts.
"We expected more of a turn out. But I think the weather and the few other events in town, we could only have so many guests. But definitely those who came in were impressed," said restaurant manager Leo Lechovolea.
Half of the revenue earned by the restaurant during the time slot on May 5 is going towards the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. The team was part of a horrific crash in April that claimed 16 lives. In total, there was $1,400 in sales during the fundraiser, which meant $700 would go to the Broncos. But, Lechovolea noted that the restaurant topped that number to an even $1,000.
Lechovolea says those who did make it out seemed happy with the involvement of the St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens, who played road hockey with children in the parking lot, and swung by a few tables for a chat with customers.
"I couldn't believe it, there were nine of them. Some of them don't live here in the summer. . . and they came down for this," Lechovolea said, happily.
He then went on to add that the same evening some of the players raised money at the Hideaway Lounge by playing live music through the night.
Captain of the 2017-18 Jr. B Canadiens team, Dyson Roy, told the Journal the evening crowd donated over $650 for the victims.
"It was great to have so much community support for a great cause," said Roy.
Lechovolea also pointed out that his staff at Smitty's volunteered their time for the evening, all six waitresses and five cooks.
