The totals are not yet in from the magical Chloe Hite benefit that was held at the Greenbriar Inn, but Chloe's grandparents, Steve and Pam Dawson, along with the Hite family, would like to share that they are overwhelmed with the goodwill, generosity and support from this community and they say that it is obvious Chloe is loved and supported by many in her "home town."

Chloe, who is 7, lost her beautiful and playful 41-year-old mother, Stephanie Dawsen Hite, unexpectedly Nov. 22, just two days before Thanksgiving. The relationships Stephanie and Chloe have cultivated in this community may likely best be described and honored through the stories of outreach since her passing.

For starters, upon Stephanie's passing a friend immediately set up a savings account, a trust fund, and announced a benefit for Chloe to be held in one week's time, on Dec. 5 at the Greenbriar Inn in Cd'A. The Greenbriar offered to do $25 a person for tickets, with $12.50 going to Chloe's trust and the other $12.50 to cover the expense of the food served. Children were only charged $6.50, and 30 percent of all of the drink proceeds were donated to Chloe's trust account. Further, the facility and staff time were also generously donated by the Greenbriar.

Once announced, the phones were ringing immediately, and Facebook watchers were glued to Facebook to send prayers to Steph and her family. Another couple of Stephanie's cherished friends promptly facilitated a silent auction in one week's time that included over 90 items, without a hitch! Even as the auction table was being set up that Monday night, there were still people posting and calling with things they wanted to donate, and people were dropping in to donate just "one more thing," from oil changes to Botox to Santa cruises to cash. People just felt they HAD to help. And it came!

The help came from Stephanie's "get it done" friends who were on a mission to help carry the baton for their dear friend Steph, to those who didn't know either of them but simply had compassion in the hearts. One lady called up who I don't believe knew either of them, to donate a beautiful new jewelry box for Chloe to keep her Mommy's jewelry in for "safe keeping."

There are so many who have donated their time and resources, in an effort to make this loss a little easier for Chloe and her family. Chatters CPA firm, Mountain West Bank, attorney Richard Wallace, ABC Day Care and their loyal friends and clients, Hayden Meadows Elementary where Chloe goes to school, "The Flip Factory" where Chloe attends gymnastics classes and where Stephanie had arranged for Chloe's seventh birthday party, Stephanie's former employers, and more.

The list seems endless and the holiday "giving" - the reason for the season - seemed to shine a special light that night, creating a magical night for all who attended. All of the children's faces were even painted up like "Chloe Cats." That's what her mother called her, due to Chloe's long time love affair for kitty cats. Even Santa took time out during his busiest season to offer a "Ho Ho Ho" and a holiday smile from the heart!

Donations to Chloe's trust account can always be made at any local Mountain West Bank branch and checks can be made out to the Chloe Hite Trust Account.

And to Stephanie; please rest in peace, dear friend. Chloe is being watched over, provided for and loved. Also, know that your love will live in our hearts forever, and we will continue to share it with Chloe.

Michelle Stafford is a Coeur d'Alene resident.