Big support for family of Monroe victim of November storm event

Monroe residents came together over the weekend to raise funds for the fianc+¬e and daughter of Grant Strinden, the 23-year-old Monroe man who was killed when a tree fell onto his car during the Nov. 17 windstorm.

Several local businesses combined efforts to accomplish the fundraiser, which took place on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Big Dog's "HawkdogGÇ¥ truck, parked near Sam's Cats and Dogs, Naturally. Big Dog's owner Jerry "Big DogGÇ¥ Dixon and cohort Gretchen Unick House sold Seahawks-themed hotdogs from 12:30 until after 4 p.m., raising $2,296 for Strinden's fianc+¬e, Ronicka Messner.

Dashing Dutchman's Deli co-owner Susan Whitfield provided handmade desserts for the event, including chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter cookie dough frosting, coconut bars dipped in Belgian chocolate and hazelnut Nutella truffles.

Trisha Kok Love volunteered to help collect donations for Whitfield's baked treats. Guests donated generously, one woman paying more than $100 for a cupcake.-á

The event was coordinated by Dixon and Whitfield, with support from the Dashing Dutchman's Deli, the Man Cave Barber Shop, Sahara Pizza Monroe, Sam's Cats and Dogs, Naturally, Dr. Aaron Marks Dmd, Adam's Northwest Bistro and Sally Petty Insurance.-á

"I couldn't be prouder to be a part of this group of businesses and friends,GÇ¥ Dixon said.

The Hawk Wheels Car Club showed up in force, displaying several vehicles decked out in full Seahawks regalia. Car club members stood near U.S. 2 waving flags to help bring more people to the event. Messner's story struck hearts all over Snohomish County, and the exuberant group of 12s was excited to help raise money for the young mother.-á

Messner heard about the fundraiser from a friend, and stopped by after bringing her dog to Sam's Cats and Dogs, Naturally, for owner Sam Wirsching's annual "Samta ClawsGÇ¥ event. The young mom was overwhelmed by the show of support, and expressed her gratitude to all those involved. She said that she's been focused on taking care of her daughter, Kandyce, and sorting through her grief.

For more information on Big Dog's, visit www.facebook.com/BigDogsTacos/?fref=ts.-á -á