CHAPLEAU EXPRESS
Local News Weekly
705 - 864 - 2785
Free to Every Household
Vol. 30, Issue 11, November 13, 2025
705 - 864 - 0911
Sold Out Memorial Gala a Glittering Affair With Heart By Steve Schmidt
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hapleau turned out in its formal finest and in great numbers. Arena Hall was filled for the hottest ticket in town. The formal gala was a fundraising event memorializing the 30th anniversary of the tragic death in a house fire of event organizers Annie Gilbert's husband Paul and Diane Daigle-Dinel's daughter Melanie. "I was left heartbroken with my 14-month-old daughter and pregnant with twins, says Annie. "During that devastating time, the community of Chapleau showed incredible generosity, offering help and support in ways I will never forget. When the 30th anniversary was approaching, I knew it was time to return and give back." Annie approached Diane and eighteen months later the Winter Wonderland Formal was realized, raising $11,963.59 for the Chapleau Firefighter Association to cover a portion of the cost of the new battery-operated Jaws of Life. 25 smoke alarms were given away at the Gala to anyone who needed one. Gifts were purchased for every resident at the Bignucolo Residence, along with craft supplies, treats for bingo prizes, and $500 in gift cards and cash for the activity department to use as needed. Additionally they delivered 65 gifts to the EarlyON Centre for the Angel Tree program, helping children in need this coming Christmas. The Legion donated $500 of their bar proceeds to the fire fighters as well. Said Diane Daigle-Dinel, "The evening and turnout was amazing, more Long Term than we could ever imagine and the Forecast money raised has surpassed anything Thursday High 1 we could imagine." She vows to Low -6 continue the work: "I am on a mission Friday to continue to help as many High 0 organizations in Chapleau as I can Low -5 including the fire department." Saturday High Low
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