F. Smith and the Relief Men band donate their time to play at a Haiti disaster relief spaghetti dinner hosted by Audie's Restaurant Saturday, January 30. Pictured are Greg Yoder (from left), Charlie Heilman, Greg Vieau, and Frank Smith. The Mackinaw City community pulled together Saturday, January 30, to raise money for disaster relief for the people of Haiti. Audie's Restaurant hosted a spaghetti dinner organized by several community members. People arrived at the restaurant at 5 p.m., paying $6 for the meal. Local support was strong enough to fill half the seats in about 10 minutes.

Ray Roth and Cidney Roth, local Red Cross disaster volunteers, greeted and accepted money from everyone donating to the relief effort for those impacted by the recent Haiti earthquake.

"When it comes to a benefit, I never cease to be amazed by the support we get," Mr. Roth said. "We're rather amazed by the number of people here, and it's only 9 after" the hour.

Celeste Holsinger of Mackinaw City was tapped by Katie Kosorski to help organize the dinner. She quickly began calling everyone she thought would be interested in helping.

"It's horrible what happened out there and I thought this would be a good community event," Mrs. Holsinger said.

Before long, a large volunteer base was developed. The Mackinaw City Public Schools Parent Teacher Organization got involved, along with many student council and National Honor Society members at the school. Other people baked desserts, several businesses donated refreshments, and Audie's owner Nick Jaggi donated his time to cook the food served.

Kelly Martin of Mackinaw City was one who quickly agreed to help.

"It breaks your heart to watch those stories [about Haiti], that's why I'm here," she said.

Student council member Taelor Steward was among those helping to serve drinks, desserts, and aiding with the 50/50 raffle drawing. She said she loved the idea of holding a spaghetti dinner to support the people of Haiti.

By the end of the night, the dinner raised $2,021.15. All of the money will benefit Haiti disaster relief.