Plainfield holds fundraising concert for storm victims
Plainfield officials began planning Sunday’s charity concert at the city high school after the first round of storms on July 3, when two men were killed by a fallen tree.
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The community in Plainfield used the power of music on Sunday to unite and raise money after this week's deadly storm that left devastating damages.
“Today is going to make people laugh, cry, sing, dance, so it's going to be a lot of emotions going around,” said organizer Norman Bradley.
Plainfield officials began planning Sunday’s charity concert at the city high school after the first round of storms on July 3, when two men were killed by a fallen tree.
Just over a week later, strong floodwaters swept away two women in a car, and again decimated homes. It only amplified the need for a fundraiser like this.
“We are relying on your generosity,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.
The concert had raised over $67,000 before the night was over. The long list of performers volunteered their time.
“Nobody asked for any money, any type of pay,” Bradley said. “Everybody's just doing this from the kindness of their heart.”
“One of the things that I thrive on is music as a life changing experience,” said musician Clarence Conover. “Music has no boundary. It reaches everything. It heals.”
Anyone can still donate by writing a check to the City of Plainfield, or online through the city website. There’s also information there on how to apply for aid.
All the money raised will be given out on a case by case basis.
“No amount is too small,” Bradley said. “No amount is too big.”
“We anticipate that people are going to come out of the woodwork seeking some of these funds,” Mapp said. “So, we're going to be very careful in terms of how we evaluate and how we review the applications so that the people that really need to have it are the ones that will receive it.”
“As long as our residents and the community needs support, we'll be here to assist them,” said Plainfield Emergency Management Coordinator Sgt. Khisha Bethea.
