Annual SMU benefit dance raises $12,347 for Griffin family

Bob and Crystal Griffin (Maintenance Department) were the recipients of this year's Taylor Richmond Benefit.

Nearly 540 people attended Saint Mary’s University’s tenth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 20. This year’s donations brought the 10-year total raised to more than $100,000.


WINONA, Minn. — Nearly 540 people attended Saint Mary’s University’s tenth annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 20.

Proceeds from the dance — and a silent auction held on campus — raised $12,347 for this year’s beneficiaries, Bob and Crystal Griffin of Fremont, Minn., and their three sons. Bob underwent emergency surgery for an infection on his back. Doctors removed two vertebrae and replaced them with titanium, leaving Bob with only a 1 or 2 percent chance of ever walking again. He has been going through extensive physical therapy in La Crosse Wis., since his surgery. Money from the benefit dance and silent auction will help the family with medical expenses and for renovations to make their home handicap accessible. Crystal works in the SMU Maintenance Department.

This benefit dance has become an annual tradition since it was started by students in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s Campus Ministry and Student Activities staff member Nikki Richmond and her husband Nick Richmond, both of Cochrane, Wis. Taylor has a genetic terminal illness called Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and the money from his benefit was used to fulfill Taylor's dream of going to Disneyworld. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

Donations are still being accepted. To help, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Jason Richter, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights No. 45, Winona, MN 55987.