Community support for Tyler Smith

The New Year's Eve dance at the Golf Club to benefit Tyler Smith "was a great success, thanks to the residents of Revelstoke and the Elks Club," says organizer David Bennewith. Tyler Smith and his girlfriend Felicia Van Leur pose for a photo at the fund-raiser. David Bennewith photo

The New Year’s Eve dance at the Golf Club to benefit Tyler Smith “was a great success, thanks to the residents of Revelstoke and the Elks Club,” says organizer David Bennewith.

“We even had some visitors from Kamloops, one of them was Ryan Smith and his partner Brittany, who brought thousands of dollars of electronic equipment which benefitted the auction quite nicely! Everyone seemed to be having a great time,  Tyler and Felicia were able to make it through to the New Year! We would like to thank all the local businesses and Revelstokians for their support for Tyler.”

Tyler has spent most of the last few months in St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. He recently discovered that he has heart disease so serious his survival depends on a heart transplant. He is now waiting for a heart from a suitable donor.

Bennewith said a grand total of the monies raised would likely be available next week.

If you’d like to help Tyler and his family there is an official Tyler Smith fund (trusteed by Bennewith and Stephen Hui) at the Revelstoke Credit Union. You can simply walk in to a member service representative and make a donation. Or mail a cheque payable to the Tyler Smith Fund to Revelstoke Credit Union at Box 989 Revelstoke, BC  V0E2S0. This fund was set up to cover the many large expenses involved with Tyler’s care. It is controlled and administered by the trustees, Hui and Bennewith.

If you would like to contribute in a more personal way; Tyler’s grandmother, Elaine Ralph, has set up a separate fund for Tyler to help with the more personal things he will need on his journey to recovery. She would welcome your help and can be reached at home 250-837-5923 or email elaine.ralph@revelstoke.net.

In the meanwhile here are some photos from the dance:

Pam and Kevin Kaine came all the way from Kamloops for the fund-raiser. David Bennewith photo
Rose Fowlie was the woman in charge of the cash at the Tyler Smith Benefit that was held at the Golf Club on New Year's Eve. Local Elks were big supporters of the fund-raiser for Smith who needs a heart transplant. David Bennewith photo
The buffet was perfect. David Bennewith photo
Local Elks like Gary and Mary Anne Krestinsky and Clancy and Ruth Boettger and others were major supporters of the effort to raise the money Tyler Smith will need to support himself after he receives a heart transplant. David Bennewith photo