Lunch goers in Steinbach Wednesday helped raise $1,816.02 for Steinbach Arts Council. The Arts Council was the recipient of this week's charity barbeque in the downtown.

"We just had such great support," says Chief Creative Officer Cindi Rempel Patrick. "The people, all our volunteers who came out to be the artists and the actors and the dancers, everyone who participated just made it so successful."

Rempel Patrick says people often do not think of the Arts Council as a place to give money as a charity. But she says they are a charitable organization that provides funding to families and children who can not afford arts programs. Money raised Wednesday will help towards this cause.

"We think one of the best gifts you can give kids is to give them programs where they can excel," she says. "The arts is an outlet for self-expression, it creates self-worth, self-esteem, self-confidence and we can help families and kids to gain those attributes."

Rempel Patrick says Wednesday was an example of what can happen when the community comes together.

Meanwhile, Steinbach Arts Council is holding its annual general meeting Wednesday night at 8pm at the Arts Centre.

(Cindi Rempel Patrick receives cheque from Janelle Smith and Donna Campbell)