Imagine your life being changed forever in a split second. That is what happened to Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce director Judy Scipione and her family.

On Thursday, May 4, Judy received the call no one ever wants to receive. Her husband Dan was in a horrific car accident on Broadway at C-Line. Dan had to be cut from the car and was airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital Trauma Unit in Toronto. The prognosis was not good, and Dan was not expected to survive the crash.

Dan is now home from the hospital and requires 24-hour care and special equipment.

He has several broken bones and may require surgery.

He also has a brain injury that is affecting his short-term memory, his vision, and aspects of his personality. In Judy's words, "He needs help to do the simplest of things, like going to the washroom, eating, getting dressed, and other things that we do for ourselves that we take for granted."

Judy has taken a hiatus from her business, the Orangeville Health and Wellness Centre, to care for Dan full-time. This has left the family with very little income on which to live, during this time of crisis.

On Friday June 23, from 7 p.m., we are asking the community to come together and help this family. There will be concert featuring local artists starting at 8 p.m. at the Opera House. Tickets are available at Acoustic Traditions for $20. We are also organizing a silent auction for this evening, to run from 7 to 10 p.m., to raise an additional $5,000 to help the family with their growing list of expenses.

Donations from Chamber members are also being sought to help make the silent auction a success.

The organizing committee is looking for items and gift certificates for services that can be auctioned off. Donations will be accepted at the Orangeville Dojo, 80 Centennial Rd., Mon.-Wed. and Fri., 11 a.m. 8 p.m,; Thurs, 5-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., until noon June 20, or call 941-3656 to arrange for a pick-up.

The committee is also looking for donations of tables and linens, and decorations for the evening.