Community rallies around one of their own with benefit

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer
It was an awe-inspiring scene down at the Claresholm Arena on Saturday night.
People packed the arena on that March 19 evening to show their support for a member of the community who was injured in a rollover in February.
In the end, the Emergency Services Hockey Fundraiser benefitting Scott Besse raised in excess of $69,000 with all proceeds going to support Besse and his wife Krista Minish’s expenses during his recovery.
The benefit hockey game pitted Willow Creek Emergency Services and the Claresholm Fire Department against the Claresholm Under-18 hockey team and their coaches.
Perhaps the most moving part of the evening was when Besse addressed the crowd from his hospital room in Calgary.
“I am so happy to have a fantastic and supportive community here tonight,” Besse said. “I can’t even begin to explain how deeply emotional this has become for me to see the support and help of our community.”
He had to keep his thank yous general because so many people had helped over the past month.
However, he did have a special message for his friends.
“I love you all so much,” Besse said, adding all the messages and video chats helped keep him going. “More than you possibly know.”
He commended the emergency responders the night of the rollover.
“My heart goes out to all of you for all your fantastic work,” he said.
Besse also paid tribute to his mom Laurel and wife Krista.
“She’s been my emotional rock,” he said. “She has kept everything going.”
Besse concluded by expressing his appreciation to everyone.
“This is far too much compassion for just a regular guy,” he said.
“This is more than I can emotionally wrap my head around,” he later added.
“I’ll keep fighting this every day – you’re the greatest community ever.”
There were also live and silent auctions, beef on a bun, and a big card everyone could sign to send Besse and Minish their best wishes.
Once the final whistle blew, the Under-18 Thunder had won on the scoreboard, but the score did not really matter on this night.
A community coming together to support one