Over $11,000 has been raised raised by Cochranites over the weekend at the Texas Gate Grill and Bar during its 'Support The Fort' Fundraiser.

The event has raised $10,931.10 as of Monday May 16, but the total will grow once the rest of the items from the auction are paid for and collected by bidders.

JJ Ludwig, Texas Gate owner, says it wasn't just the auction that raised the money.

"That's compiled of everything that we got." she says. "The pool tournament, the beer sales, staff donated their wages, there was a 50/50 draw, and different games."

Ludwig has chosen to stay local and hand the money over to the Cochrane Lions Club instead of the Red Cross, for a good reason.

"They are working with the Lions Club in Lac La Biche, that town just took on a bunch of evacuees. That way they are able to send it out right away, and help exactly where its needed, it's the front lines. The other reason I chose the Lions club is because they dont take anything out for administration fees, so we knew the whole thing would be going to where it needs to."

Ludwig is not only extremely proud of the fundraiser, but the people who donated thousands as well.

"I've been lucky that I've been a member of the community for a while, with the business and all, but so many people I didnt know came together and gave their time, donations, and money. It was phenomenal, it gives me goosebumps. My goal was $6,000, to blow that away, and almost double that means so much. It just shows exactly how generous Cochrane is."