Saturday's Penetanguishene Stands Together fundraiser for the victims of the Sept. 7 building collapse was bustling with people enjoying free food, bidding on the silent auction, and taking in live music.
"We are here for you," said Deanna Palazzo Dalzell, an event organizer, at Brian Orser Hall in the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre.
Funds raised are going to be distributed to the apartment dwellers who were forced to evacuate and business owners who had to close when two walls at 78 Main St. collapsed.
"We are going to do everything we can to give you as much as possible," said Palazzo Dalzell, who owns The Pulse Nutrition at 81 Main St.
It will be weeks before anyone in the multi-unit block and the home at 2 Water St. can move back into their apartments or reopen their businesses as the demolition of 78 Main St. needs to be completed and work to obtain occupancy permits needs to be done.
Mayor Doug Rawson attended the event.
"It's the community coming together as one," he told MidlandToday. "Everyone (is) contributing and putting those that are affected at the centre. This is true grassroots, people coming together for the community."
Co-organizer Jill St. Amant said it was "really heartwarming to see all the groups that are coming together to help out other members of the community."
Rev. Eileen Steele, of the All Saints Anglican Church, and a co-organizer, said she was praying for a good turnout and was not disappointed.
"This is so awesome, seeing the community coming together to support the people displaced and the businesses," she said.
Palazzo Dalzell named a long list of businesses that made donations, including World Famous Dock Lunch.
The Rotary Club of Penetanguishene provided free hot dogs, beverages and snacks. Team Jordan Keller-Williams Co-Elevation Realty provided free popcorn. The Penetanguishene Centennial Museum hosted children's activities. Many other businesses donated items for the silent auction.
Salvation Army Pastor Aimee Thomas told the crowd, some of whom were displaced residents, they can get a free winter coat from the Salvation Army Thrift Store and apply for a Christmas hamper.
A fundraising total is not yet available.