Let me tell you why I am looking forward to seeing you Friday supporting the McLeod Family at a 5-7 p.m. spaghetti dinner fundraiser at La Conner Elementary School cafeteria.

Thirteen years ago when I stumbled upon what I thought was the ideal house in the perfect neighborhood, my kids were somewhat skeptical. So, they came up to La Conner and Shelter Bay, unbeknownst to me, and checked it out by driving randomly around several streets. They were greeted with smiles and waves everywhere they went and came away convinced that their old, retired Mom had indeed found the perfect place to settle. And so I did.

In addition to meeting many friendly neighbors, all of the merchants I patronized were also welcoming. I could immediately tell that in La Conner a handshake is often enough to settle a deal. (Short a couple of bucks? Drop it by the next time you're in town).

I also witnessed several occasions when the townsfolk pulled together to help fellow La Connerites in crisis. I recall a sad story of a family losing their beloved daughter to cancer and how the community pitched in to help them. There was another similar incident when the husband of a local icon faced a medical crisis and the town was there to help them. A local girl fought and won the battle with a debilitating disease, thanks to a supportive community. A young man on the Swinomish Reservation became seriously ill and fundraisers helped his family. Citizens donated money to help Ukraine survive the attacks from Russia. These are only a few of the stories that help describe La Conner – it is a town with a big heart.

As a long-time member of the Soroptimists, I have also seen how our club has quietly assisted citizens in need, but mostly women since our motto is "Women helping women." We use the proceeds from the Vintage Store to provide scholarships and also to help individuals experiencing hard times.

Other local organizations like the Kiwanis, Rotary, PEO and Garden Club have similar goals. Recently, all of these local clubs have joined together to form La Conner United, where we join hands for special causes. Thus, I finally come to the purpose of writing this article: La Conner United is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner to raise funds to assist a family that has experienced a catastrophic setback. Tyrone McCleod, a roofer by trade, had nearly completed building a house for his family when, on Jan. 17, it burned to the ground.

He had spent five years, doing most of the work himself while living in a trailer on-site. The house was uninsured and was a total loss from a fire whose origin is unknown but suspicious. Also lost in the fire were all of Tyrone's tools and equipment. So, as a town with a big heart, we have an opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal with friends and neighbors while donating to help Tyrone and his two children get back on their feet.

The spaghetti dinner will be held at the La Conner Elementary School cafeteria 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 14. We ask for a minimum donation of $20. Please clear your calendars and open you hearts and wallets to help the McLeod family! Let's show the world what small town living is really about!