Music for the Mind got off to a loud and proud start to its 2024 fundraising campaign.
The charity organization hosted a concert Feb. 2, raising the bar, and $16,000 in the process.
Music for the Mind (MFM) founder Elisha Banks said it was a great night all around, capped off by the new record of funds raised at one event for the organization.
Close to 400 people attended the event, held at the Portuguese-Canadian Social Club on Grand Avenue in Chatham.
Three bands – 89 Next, Walkin’ 47 and Big Shiny Toons – performed over the course of the evening, and DJ Shawn L spun tunes in between. Volunteers held a silent auction, and there was an in-house 50-50 draw, Banks said.
“It was epic. We had a great turnout. It was a packed house,” she said. “This was a new venue for us. We loved it. The staff were amazing. It was a great space for our event.”
Banks thanked the bands, DJ and event sponsors for their support.
“Without them, the concerts don’t happen,” she said.
Funds raised from MFM events this year will go to Family Service Kent, the Kids Team program and Chatham-Kent Victim Services. The money will help pay for minimal-fee counselling for people aged six and up, aid in covering the cost of psychological assessments for children up to age 18, and to provide supports beyond counselling for victims.
With the success of the winter concert, Banks admitted the next MFM event has not been finalized.
“We are considering having another summer concert, but we don’t have any dates set as of yet,” Banks said. “We are also looking at partnering up with some local bars to host music nights as fundraising events.”
A broasted chicken dinner will be on the menu again this year.
Banks said the fundraising goal this year is $60,000, up from $50,000 set last year. However, the organization blew past that 2023 goal, raising in excess of $57,000.
