The Frazee and Perham varsity girls’ volleyball teams raised $2,854 for Hospice of the Red River Valley in memory of Gaylene Smith. The teams have a tradition of raising money at the annual Frazee-Perham match. This year’s match was held on October 4, with all events incorporated with Frazee’s homecoming. Players from each team asked local businesses and families for cash donations and items for a silent auction. Sixty-five businesses donated more than 100 items for sale. Members of the Frazee volleyball team presented the check to Hospice of the Red River Valley on Friday, October 14.
Their choice of supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley is deeply personal. One of the players, 9th grader Katie Smith, is Gaylene’s daughter. Her father first suggested Hospice of the Red River Valley. They quickly agreed and the entire school became involved.
It was important to the teams that the monies raised stayed local; they know all too well the toll cancer can take on families and friends. “It hits close to home,” says one student, “It’s hard to know what to do and what to say when a friend or another students faces such a loss.” They are grateful for the hands-on help and support they saw Hospice of the Red River Valley provide to loved ones and family.
