As the first anniversary of the devastation of Hurricane Ian approaches, the Charity Pros are announcing their “Hurricane Heroes” All-Star Concert event on Oct. 7 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
The massive storm destroyed over 5,000 homes, wiped out hundreds of businesses, including over 30 live music venues, and severely damaged tens of thousands of homes.
Internationally acclaimed rock band Matchbox Twenty will headline the event bringing their decades of smash hits that have dominated the radio airwaves and charts, garnering multiple Grammy Award nominations, producing billions of streams, and selling over 40 million records.
Special guest, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and four-time Grammy winner Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles for over 27 years, will also be taking the stage. The co-writer of “Hotel California” will perform all his greatest hits.
Don Felder
“This event will bring the community together to help honor heroes of Hurricane Ian,” says Megan Maloney, founder of the Charity Pros. “In addition to the heroism of our brave first responders saving the lives of thousands of people and animals, there are so many incredible stories of regular folks, unsung heroes, that have exhibited incredible acts of humanity, kindness and generosity over this past year,” explains Megan.
SW Florida rock band Red Hannah will kick off their all-star set, featuring special appearances by local professional musicians Matty Jolie, Sheena Brook and more surprises. Jay Allen of NBC’s The Voice is also scheduled to perform. Proceeds from this special event will help support Music Alive SWFL, the Tabarrini Children’s Outreach Foundation, and the Charity Pros “Megan’s Wish” program.
“You don’t want to miss this incredible show; it will be a very special tribute to many that have sacrificed and suffered from this storm,” says Brad Maloney, vice president of operations and events for the Charity Pros. “It has been many years since there has been a concert on the field at Hammond Stadium; we are very proud to be working together with the Mighty Mussels organization and Lee County Parks and Recreation to bring this show to the community for a great cause.”
Pictured, from left to right, are Ed Ryan, Doug Miller, Amy Eldridge, Megan Maloney, Brad Maloney, Mayor Dan Allers and Pastor Mallie Critser.
Local heroes will be honored at the concert on Oct. 7. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were recognized as heroes for their efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, particularly the work in coordinating the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with outside agencies and search and rescue missions that took place after the storm’s devastation.
Mayor Dan Allers of Fort Myers Beach has been named a hero for his work in the development and recovery of Fort Myers Beach. Allers was appointed mayor of Fort Myers Beach two months after Hurricane Ian and has spent the past 10 months leading the island back to a state of recovery. Dan and his business partner at the time, Tim Ryan, turned their golf cart business at 820 Buttonwood Drive into a location for people to drop off donations and supplies for victims. The location is now home to Fort Myers Beach Strong, a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
Ed and Kim Ryan, founders of Beach Talk Radio, assisted in raising more than $300,000 for Fort Myers Beach. The pair collected donations and held fundraisers, using the funds collected to purchase supplies to donate to victims of Ian. They provided information to Fort Myers Beach residents and homeowners across the country throughout the hurricane’s journey.
Pastors Shawn and Mallie Critser of Beach Baptist Church were recognized for establishing their church as a central resource and a disaster recovery center for FEMA, then turning it into a long-term recovery resource center for the community. The church continues to provide groceries, supplies, bus passes, gift cards and more daily to those still in need as well as pastoral counseling and Sunday church service.
Doug Miller and Amy Eldridge, owners of FK Your Diet, have been named heroes for providing more than 500,000 meals and countless truckloads of supplies to those affected by Ian. Their restaurants continue never to turn away anyone needing a meal, whether they can pay or not. Originally founded to help Foster Kids & Families, FK Your Diet continues to support local neighborhoods heavily impacted by the storm by delivering groceries and supplies every week.
“There are so many stories and unsung heroes out there. We will try to honor all we can at the concert event,” said Brad Maloney. “An event like this takes an entire community coming together. Our goal is to make the public aware that Hurricane Ian relief efforts are ongoing, and this isn’t over, so many folks still need help.”
For tickets and more info, go to www.thecharitypros.org
