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Concert Benefits Girls With Cancer

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 5, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - Artists For Humanity, a nonprofit, Pasco-based musical group, has raised $7,500 for the Grimes family of Land O' Lakes. David and Amber Grimes have two daughters, 8-year-old Lily and 2 1/2 -year-old Carlie, battling brain cancer.

The Artists For Humanity raised money through a Nov. 30 benefit concert, "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber," at San Antonio Community Church.

"The money was raised through ticket sales and donations," said Dolores Riego de Dios, founder of Artists For Humanity.

"As soon as we publicized the concert, my phone never stopped ringing. Some just wanted to give money outright."

The concert featured tunes from Lloyd Webber musicals such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Cats" and "Jesus Christ Superstar."

"People especially loved the 'Phantom of the Opera' numbers and 'Memories' from 'Cats,'

" said Riego de Dios.

One of the most enthusiastic audience members was Lily, who attended the concert with her grandparents.

"She was called to the stage, and people were thrilled," Riego de Dios said.

"It was very powerful. People cried."

Also thrilled by the results of this fundraiser, according to Riego de Dios, was the Grimes family.

"The family is very thankful," she said. "We've been getting feedback like, 'God bless you. We can't believe this outpouring of love.'

"

Artists For Humanity, a group of nine area vocalists and musicians who, individually, have performed everywhere from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to the Boston Symphony, was formed for the purpose of performing benefit concerts.

The group has performed benefits for organizations such as Habitat For Humanity, Hernando-Pasco Hospice, homeless shelters and a local cancer patient.

Guests at the Nov. 30 concert also enjoyed gourmet cookies and coffees, as well as a silent auction and drawings.

Among items up for bid were original artwork, spa packages and floral arrangements.

At the end of the evening, Riego de Dios said, the group's efforts were for one great cause.

"It's all about those little girls," she said.

ARTISTS FOR HUMANITY

SOME BACKGROUND: The San Antonio and Land O' Lakes Rotary clubs presented "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber," performed by Artists For Humanity, on Nov. 30 at San Antonio Community Church, 31251 State Road 52 in San Antonio.

Vicki West Catering and Jerri Hall supplied food and party settings, respectively, for this benefit.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: This concert, and related donations, raised $7,500 for the Grimes family; a family with two young daughters with cancer.

A LITTLE HISTORY: Artists for Humanity was formed in 1993.

WHAT'S NEXT?: Artists founder Dolores Riego de Dios plans additional fundraisers for the Grimes family.

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