By Gary Sallee, Esq.—
ANDERSON, IN — Flood Aid for Anderson, a fundraising concert with an online donation piece, has been created as an opportunity for individuals near and far to combine resources to assist in the reconstruction of lives of Anderson residents in desperate need.
Led by Gary and Darla Sallee, the Gaslight Festival committee, Anderson Indiana Main Street and several dedicated volunteer citizens of Anderson, this fundraising concert and community event will take place on Sunday, August 23, during the final day of the Anderson Gaslight Festival, an annual scheduled event which celebrates the Anderson community, from 10 a.m. -6 p. m. on historic W 8th St. at the intersection of Madison Ave. in Anderson, Indiana.
For some Anderson families, the record-breaking flood levels destroyed or severely damaged the place they call home. Personal belongings, furniture, appliances, clothing, important documents and other necessities were lost or damaged. For residents who were already struggling to make ends meet, the sudden loss of their possessions has created an overwhelming challenge.
“When you see the devastation that our neighbors have experienced, you cannot help but want to do something,” said Organizer Darla Sallee. “This is a time for Anderson to come together. These families need our support, and I am pleased to have gotten Mayor Broderick and the City’s approval for this effort to help provide resources to people who are trying to put their lives back together.”
Flood Aid for Anderson is an opportunity for individuals around the globe who view the breathtaking destruction caused by this natural phenomenon and want to help. This is a means for them to offer donations that can make a real difference in the lives of real people in trouble. No amount is too small when it is combined with others.
The event will bring together musical artists, local and international performers, special celebrity guests, community leaders, media personalities and residents for a day centered on one purpose: helping Anderson recover.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will be committed to assist Anderson residents in recovery from flood losses.
A dedicated donation platform will be established through the Madison County Community Foundation, with an organized fundraising campaign beginning during this week leading up to the August 23 event.
Through online broadcasts, media coverage, celebrity appearances, social media outreach and participation from community leaders, organizers hope to reach people throughout Anderson, Madison County, Indiana and beyond.
Donation information: https://tinyurl.com/FloodAidForAnderson
The committed entertainment lineup includes, but is not limited to:
—Nationally touring musician Alex Williams
—Nationally touring musician Joe Denim
—Comedian Pat Godwin from the Bob and Tom Show
Additional performers, guests and programming may be announced.
For families forced from their homes, who have lost everything but their hope and faith, the road ahead may seem uncertain. For residents who lost possessions they worked years to acquire, replacing those items may seem impossible. This community-wide effort is intended to provide tangible financial assistance while also sending a powerful message of support and encouragement to those affected, reminding the people who have lost so much that they have not been forgotten and they are not alone.
Flood Aid for Anderson operates with the support of the City of Anderson and Anderson Indiana Main Street, and in conjunction with the Anderson Gaslight Festival, the initiative also includes support from the Madison County Community Foundation, Madison County Alliance, Shelly Bond Realty, Ed Paul Fry, Amber Dietz and others.