Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, January 7, 1916
By C.D. Stratton
The task of raising funds for the relief of the twenty women made widows and thirty-eight children made orphans by the Ravensdale coal mine explosion of November 16 last will be brought to a close by Seattle trade unionists tomorrow night, when a benefit dance will be given in the assembly hall of the Labor Temple under the auspices of the Ravensdale relief committee of the Central Labor Council.
Ticket sellers representing the committee are now making a thorough canvass of the city and the dance promises to add a considerable sum to the relief fund.
It is the committee’s intention, in arranging the dance, to give the citizens of Seattle generally their first opportunity to contribute to the relief fund. Until the present time, although several prominent Seattle merchants have given heartily appreciated assistance, the committee practically has confined its solicitation of funds to members of organized labor.
The sale of dance tickets, it is the committee’s belief, will give those who would feel reluctant to give a sum as small as a dollar as a direct contribution an opportunity to aid by indirect contribution.
Music, ball rent, and every other expense will be donated, and all money paid for tickets will go into the relief committee. George P. Listman, labor member of the city civil service commission, is chairman of the relief committee.
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