Benefit Concert Makes Impact

What would you do to help make a difference?

Well, Trevor Gross, a student here at Lyndon State College and a member of Johnny on the News, combined his interest and talent to put on a benefit concert.

Last Monday night, about 90 people gathered in ASAC 100 to help support the tragedies that Tropical Storm Irene left behind and donated over $600.

Gross explained that his own town had to evacuate because of Irene, but in the end they were lucky enough to have no serious damage.

That was not the case for many other towns and communities. Hurricane Irene had a negative effect on other communities, sweeping away roads and destroying homes.

The aftermath that Hurricane Irene left behind is what motivated Gross to do something.

"I couldn't help but think how others were affected," Gross said.

Gross wanted to do what he could to help out, so he put his entertainment skills to use; he knew that a Benefit Concert would raise money that could be donated directly to relief for Irene.

Five bands performed Monday night: Sails, Johnny on the News, Suncooked, Derek Campbell, and Tiffany Pfeiffer. Everyone that came out to support the cause was extremely encouraging of the bands that performed. The audience was involved, clapping, singing, dancing and cheering. 

Besides raising money for Irene, the concert was also a great way to bring the college community together.

Ry McDonald, a member of Suncooked, wanted to put on a good show.

"We really just wanted people to enjoy the concert," McDonald said.

The involvement of participants that were present surely showed that the concert was an enjoyable experience. The musicians that performed were talented and enthusiastic, which allowed the performance to be fun and pleasurable.

"I was very pleased with the support," Gross said.

However, he goes on to explain that not enough students get involved here.

"People complain that there is nothing to do. They were probably sitting in their rooms doing nothing, when they could have been at the concert," Gross said.

Another benefit concert is already being planned. This time, organizers are hoping to have the concert off campus in order to get more community members involved.