Editor’s Note: This article was written and submitted by Nicole Murphy.
When Frank Delape of the Red White & Blues Band saw seven of his friends lose their homes to Superstorm Sandy, he knew a benefit concert would offer some much needed relief.
With the help of Wantagh resident Jeff Krasner of Jeff Krasner Productions, Delape was able to line up 10 iconic acts at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall on Nov. 11, including Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductee Peppy Castro, multi-platinum awards British musician John Ford and Phil Grande of the Joe Cocker Band.
"Music is what we do," said Delape, a Bellmore resident whose home suffered minimal damage from the storm. "I think people needed to get out of their homes after everything that's happened and music is one way to calm everybody's soul."
Krasner's Wantagh home was lucky enough to only lose power. He said he was unaware of the devastation surrounding his neighborhood at first, and as soon as he visited areas by the water, he knew he had to help.
"I was down in Wantagh and Bellmore and Merrick and I saw people's homes gone," Krasner explained. "Their furniture and all their belongings, their lives, were at the curb. My heart went out to these people."
Sunday's fundraiser requested a "modest" donation at the door as well as new clothing, healthy food and supplies. All proceeds from the event were donated directly to Hauppauge-based Long Island Cares.
"We wanted to go with a charity who'd make sure everything stayed on Long Island," said Delape. "Long Island Cares agreed all the proceeds from today would benefit the south shore area including Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick and Seaford."
"It's a reputable foundation that benefits people strictly on Long Island, and right now, they need it the most," Krasner added.
Additional donations can be made to Long Island Cares via PayPal at www.licares.org.
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