10McDonnellMusicOn the same weekend in September for the last ten years the McDonnell family has hosted a benefit concert/raffle to benefit FARA. For the past 9 years it has been held at the same venue in a small town in upstate NY called Queensbury. Now the McDonnell's son Dylan,38, has FA, but this event draws out the entire town. Not only to support Dylan, but to cut a rug with their favorite cover band The Marcabes. Not only does this band feature Dylan's uncle on guitar, but his father Dave on lead vocals. They have been playing together since High School, and playing well. Now it's quite a sight to see a dance floor full of 50-80 year old locals dance and twist the night away. This was my 3rd year in a row attending this event and everyone made me feel so welcome. From a cinematographer from PEP (the patient experience project) letting me fly his DJI drone, to the band My Time inviting me on stage to sit in on guitar. I am looking forward to next year’s event already. 

 

The main source of funds come from the raffle that takes place in between the music. From autographed hockey merch, to country club memberships, to tattoo gift certificates. People also spend all year putting together gift baskets full of local goodies. Many local women spend all year working on these baskets. They also sell a ton of baked goods, hot dogs and burgers. This event raised 14,000 dollars for FARA last year, and according to Dave it raises a little more each year. It is small grassroot fundraising events like this that keeps going until we knockout FA.

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