Sioux Falls is growing as a city but weekends like this show that small town community spirit as fundraisers for two local businesses were very successful.

Saturday evening, Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet held a fundraiser for the Co-op Natural Foods store that closed last month following a fire. Sanaa Abourezk wanted to do something to help so she held the fundraiser last night. I talked to a few people who had helped out and they said the line was out the door at the start of the fundraiser and they served over 700 people. Over $8000 was raised and Sanaa's doesn't even have one grain of rice left in the building!

Meanwhile at Old Skoolz, a fundraiser had been organized by employees and fans Friday and Saturday not only to raise funds but awareness for the live music venue that has played host to a number of local and regional musicians playing original music, but national touring blues acts from up and comers to Blues Music Award winners.

The venue was packed to capacity (and beyond) both nights as long time regulars were joined by a lot of people experiencing Old Skoolz for the first time. Patrons were treated to live music from: Mat D., Toby Kane, Billy Lurken, Ten Paces to Freedom, Days of June and Signs of Life. There were also raffles and silent auctions. Organizers were hoping to raise awareness of the club at 921 E. 8th Street in hopes of drawing new 'regulars' to the neighborhood wine house and pub & live music venue.

Sioux Falls, you never fail to impress me.

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