05/15/2007: "Community Shows Up For Steve Maas"

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San Juan Islanders showed up in large numbers Saturday night at the SJC Fair building to help raise money for fellow islander Steve Maas. It has been estimated that 500 came to help raise money, and at last count, over $80,000.00 has been donated/raised.

Steve is recovering from treatments for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a cancer that affects the lymphatic system), and while his health insurance took care of some of the bills, there are expenses that his insurance does not cover. Good time to have friends.

Friends, associates, and folks that just wanted to help an island neighbor, filled the fair building to donate to a fund raising for Steve, and take part in a show of community support for one of their own.

Because Steve is recovering from the latest treatments, he was unable to attend; but one of his supporters wore a small sign that said “Say Hi To Steve”, as she slowly walked up to people while holding a video camera at eye level. So Steve may not have been in attendance at the time, but as he watches the video pan the crowd, and then see and hear all of the comments from the close-ups, he will be know how much people care for and support him

In many ways it was a celebration of life: friendship, community, social and financial support for each other. There was food, drink, bands, donated items for an auction; children at play, groups in conversation; and overall a general positive atmosphere that reminded folks of one of the reasons we live here.