Two Taupō mums have been galvanised into rapidly organising a benefit concert on Saturday (September 6) to help ease the lasting implications of a serious car accident involving four Year 12 boys from Taupō-nui-a-Tia College.
Belinda Walker and Toni Neve, both mothers of Year 12 boys themselves, decided to put the concert together after hearing of the accident on August 23, realising how the families involved would be hurting, and the long recovery for some of the boys.
“This is our way of being able to support them so come along and have a great night and celebrate as well as raise money for these families,” said Walker who along with Neve only launched into the project on August 28.
The pair thought they could put something on, said Walker, “make it a little bit joyful and … everybody can get a chance to give some love and make a donation. It’s going to be a really great concert.”
The serious crash on the afternoon of Saturday, August 23 at the intersection of Broadlands Road and Off Road Highway involved two cars, and according to Police left one person with critical injuries, one serious and one moderate.
Overall, seven people were injured at the time, with Hato Hone St John crews assessing and treating two patients who were airlifted to Waikato Hospital and another who was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital.
Three others in a moderate condition were transported to Taupō Hospital, and one was treated at the scene, St John said.
The $20 concert is listed on Trybooking as a benefit for the families of Ashton, Tawera, JV and Nikau, 4-6pm at the Act 2 Theatre on Runanga Street.
Walker said all proceeds from the 70 tickets would go to the families to support them in their recovery journey.
The line up of young musical talent includes: Act 2 performers, Sienna Storm, a recent finalist in the Play It Strange national songwriting competition and who has just recorded two original songs with Lucian McDermott in Auckland, followed by singer Jodecii and then two Taupō college bands, Revamp and Pocketwatchers – (recent Smokefree Rockquest regional final winners in Rotorua and top 20 finishers in the national finals.)
A number of sound technicians and teachers were donating their time to help set and stage manage the acts, said Walker.
Donated prizes would be auctioned off between each act and there would also be raffles as well as treats and baking on sale, she said.
“Get your ticket and come with some extra cash for treats and raffles.”
The public can also donate to givealittle pages set up on behalf of two of the families.
One set up for Ashton Rakei to help the family with travel, accommodation and other unexpected expenses says the road ahead will be a long one and his family ‘are facing every parent’s worst nightmare.’
