Dear Hannah,

Your mom and I went to a wonderful party last night. We had such a great time and were overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone that came. So many people came out to honour you and your memory. I have the distinct feeling that we've started something special and that it will carry on for many years to come.

As you know, we started planning this party back in January. Well, really it started long before that but that's kind of the time we really started getting things going. It's been a slow build up until the last 2 weeks. When we first started talking about doing a fundraiser, it was going to be a simple burger and beer night at pub. We figured we might get 80-100 people, tops. Then when we started getting feedback on how many people wanted to come, we quickly had to change plans. I don't know that we got a final count of people that came but it was well over 250! We sold 250 tickets, and we know that some people couldn't or didn't come, but there were many that didn't have tickets that were there as well.

Hannah, the silent auction tables were so crowded we had to put stuff on the walls and scramble to find room for some stuff. We topped out at over 150 items! It was hard to believe there were so many generous donations. And people bid generously and often!

Bobby Bruce, a.k.a. Nearly Neil, rocked the room! He put on a fabulous show and we're so happy that we was able to be there. I think everyone was dancing in whatever space was available at some point. If they weren't standing, they were dancing in the seats. It's to bad you missed this show, but perhaps you heard him. Your sister Allie was right in the front of the dance floor for a while bouncing around and having fun. Grandma Dorothy was up on stage singing alongside Bobby for the last song and she looked like a rock star.

The support that we got from all of our family and friends and even people we didn't know was tremendous Hannah, you would be so proud. So many people helped us get the whole party organized that I can't even begin to say Thank You. It just doesn't seem to be quite enough.

I hope you got the balloons we sent up at the end of the night. Uncle Brian suggested we let all the balloons go, so we gathered on the patio and let them fly. It was emotional and a perfect ending to the night. We watched them drift up into the dark sky to find their way to you.

So Hannah, it was night that we will long remember. The first of many. But I would trade it all in a heartbeat to have you here. Everyone would.

We all miss you and love you very much.

Love,

Dad