Gloucester musicians are stepping up to perform at a benefit event with five acts to raise money for Make-a-Wish at an all-day event on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Blue Collar Lobster Co. at the Gloucester House.
Doors open at 2 p.m., and the music runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bands performing will be: O’Brien’s Boru, led by Tommy O’Brien; Rob Banks and the Moneymakers; Franks Hawks Overdue Rentals; Experiment with Theresa Gray; and Ron Leathers. There will be comic interludes throughout with comedian Danny Gill as the MC.
The silent auction items include: an all-day fishing charter for six on Capt. Dave Marciano’s Hard Merchandise as seen on “Wicked Tuna”; a limited edition autographed replica 22/25 pinpoint portrait of WWE Champion John Cena; and seven nights accommodation at LaQuinta Beach Resort Aruba. There are also prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle, cash bar and food available for purchase.
The vision of Make-a-Wish is to grant “wishes” for children diagnosed with critical illnesses with the hope it can be a turning point in their young lives.
“A wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This impact is why we are driven to make every one of these wishes come true. In the U.S. and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes,” according to its mission statement.
In fact, last year John Cena, a native of West Newbury, set a new Guinness World record by granting 650 Make-A-Wish wishes.
Tommy O’Brien, who grew up in Rockport, had the idea to hold this event, an idea on his mind for many years after having done some benefits decades ago. Over the past five years, O’Brien’s band has been playing at Blue Collar Lobster Co. and the owners also were very willing to be part of it.
“Make-a-Wish is very powerful when you mention it,” he said. “When I asked around about doing this event, everyone immediately volunteered. In fact, when I went to one shop, before I even asked about if I could hang up a poster, the man took it from me and put it right up on the wall. When I asked about his willingness, he said ‘I’m a Make-a-Wish kid.’ I’m still reeling from that.”
Not long after when O’Brien went to get a hair cut, he mentioned it to his barber and learned that his niece also was a “Wish kid.”
“And that’s why we do it. They do great work. It’s got to be so hard on these parents and families, and how wonderful to bring a smile to a child’s face,” he said. “And we want this to be a community event.”
Admission is $25 at the door, or $20 with an advance ticket available at: [email protected]. Open seating. Children 12 and under free. For more details, visit O’Brien’s Boru Facebook page.