WELLAND — It’s time to give a child an opportunity of a lifetime — a chance to visit Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disney
World in Florida — and put a smile on their face at the same time. Saturday Sept. 5 is the 23rd annual Help a Child Smile Extravaganza at Auberge Richelieu, a fundraiser that provides trips to children battling cancer. The extravaganza was inspired a brave little girl, Kacey Lynn Rainville, who lost her battle with the disease. “We have 67 kids on our waiting list. Some kids have been on our list for years,†said Peggy Charron, Help a Child Smile event co-ordinator. The extravaganza, as always, has a great lineup of activities and entertainment for families — a little something for everyone. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with a free pancake and sausage breakfast with admission, which is $5 per person and free for children under 13, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Then from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a number of activities for the children with carnival games, face painting, an inflatable bouncer, and Shriners clowns. For those who like to get up close and personal with exotic, furry or cold blooded critters, Seaway Serpentarium, The Exotic Animal Rescue Society (TEARS), and Reptiles for Kids will be on hand. For fans of space adventure, there will also be fans of Star Wars dressed in full costumes of popular characters. Opening ceremonies will kick off at noon and will be followed by a horseshoe tournament for adults. “The majority of the entertainment, they do it out of the kindness of their heart,†Charron said.
At 5 p.m., the Florida trips will be granted to the families — anywhere from 12 to 15 will be awarded that day depending on funds. This year, Help a Child Smile hopes to raise $200,000 and last year was able to reach the $195,000 mark. Considering the economic times, Charron said it may be difficult but the more funds raised, more trips can be granted.