Monique was new teacher at the comprehensive who faced nothing but hardship after she moved to our community. When I came to the administration with an idea for a fundraiser, they were extremely supportive. The school cafeteria was immediately donated, Principal Jago and VP Giesbrecht started to collect door prizes from the community, the SRC looked after food and beverage provisions, and I circulated a volunteer sheet at the next staff meeting which was filled before it was halfway across the room. The success of the event is a testament to the greatness of the community and the school's staff and administration.

The following is an account of the evening published in the Estevan Mercury:

Estevan Mercury-- On May 15, the Estevan Comprehensive School hosted a fund-raiser for the Craig Family.

Students and the community came out to show support of this worthwhile cause by doing the polka and waltzing for over two hours. The crowd of about 300 people, as well as outside donations, raised over $5,200 for the family.

Bruce and Monique Craig are members of the Estevan community who, over the course of the last year, have had more than their share of problems. The family lost their home to fire on Nov. 18, and shortly thereafter, their daughter was diagnosed with diabetes.

In the spring, troubles continued to accumulate as their three-year-old son Jesse was diagnosed with cancer. On a brighter note, Monique had a baby boy this spring, but with all the turmoil surrounding the family it is fair to say things will remain challenging and busy for the Craigs for several years to come.

In early May, Aaron Sklar, who teaches at the Comprehensive School, was working with Walter Ostanek in Winnipeg. On the trip out east, Sklar asked Ostanek if he could maybe donate a few pictures and CDs for auction in an effort to raise money for the Craigs. Over the course of the weekend it was decided that the Grammy award winner would donate an appearance in Estevan with the Western Senators to help our the family.

Ostanek is Canada's undisputed polka king. He has won three Grammys and has been nominated 15 times, more than any other Canadian musical artist.

Born in Quebec, Ostanek now resides in St. Catharines ON. He comes out west every spring and fall to do a number of dates across the prairie provinces. These dates stem from a polka tour that organized in 1995, with the late great Frankie Yankovic, which spawned the award-winning made-for-television movie Frankie and Walter, One more time.

Over the course of that tour, Ostanek formed a friendship and business connection with Sklar that has allowed the accordionist to perform for polka fans across Western Canada for nearly a decade.

Performing with Ostanek were the Western Senators. The Senators are a mix of musicians that hail from all over Saskatchewan and Alberta. Over the seventies, the band had two albums go gold in Australia.

On fill accordion is Mark Leik, Brian Sklar on violin and fiddle, Amanda Ray on banjo and fiddle, Wayne Kuntz on bass guitar and Aaron Sklar on drums.

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