Thanks for making Sockeye Fire Relief event a success

To the editor:

I want to take a moment to thank the people who volunteered their time, effort and gave generously to the Sockeye Fire Relief Fund event Saturday at the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center.

The event once again showed the one quality that makes a true Alaskan — generosity and the willingness to lend a helping hand when another is in need. We rally together when times are tough. That is why I am proud to call Alaska, the Mat-Su Borough and Big Lake home.

The event would not have been possible without the efforts of Ina Mueller and Bill Haller, who came together while the fire was still burning and started working on plans to assist those impacted. What started as a small rally/fundraiser quickly grew to a major effort. They were joined by countless others who wanted to help.

My family saw firsthand the impact of the Miller’s Reach fire. I recall how the response and generosity of others bolstered my spirits and helped us and the community get through that difficult time. Just knowing other Alaskans cared about us, and were giving of themselves to assist us was a meaningful part of the recovery process.

So I say thank you to all those listed below, and others not mentioned, who worked hard to make the event a success. Your generosity in assisting our neighbors impacted by the Sockeye Fire shows the true spirit of Alaska.

Thank you all.

Special thanks to: Big Lake Lions Rec Center; Sandy Baker and Country Legends; Cheryl and Marty Metiva; Valley Cinemas; Stephanie Allen and the staff and volunteers from United Way of Mat-Su; AJ and Jess Seims and the “Outhouse” Crew; Jim Leach; Mayor Larry DeVilbiss and Wolverine Farms; Alaska Salmon Alliance; North Slope Borough; Aardvark Catering/Pizza Thyme; Susitna Rotary Volunteers; The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman; Robert Hall; Martin Buser; Vern Halter; John Bitney; Paul Fuhs; Element 47; Blue Voodoo; Mary Helwig and the "fire puppies"; Chad Carpenter and “Moose the Movie”; Linda Lockhart; John Erskine; firefighters and forestry crews; and Becky Ross with Equine Rescue Center.

Rep. Mark Neuman

House District 8

Serving Big Lake, Knik-Goose Bay, Meadow Lakes and Point MacKenzie