Aug 13, 2007 8:46 am US/Central
Fine Line Benefit Raises $17K For Bridge Relief
by James Schugel
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
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A benefit at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis raised $17,000 on Sunday evening.
CBS
No one could ever imagine something as painful and as terrible as the bridge collapsing. Though it's devastated so many families, it's also brought out the best in people.
"It kind of hit home," said Mandy Maietta. "My husband had a friend from high school, Patrick Holmes. He was killed on the bridge and he has children the same age as mine. And when I saw that and heard about that, it made really me feel I have to do something."
You will find Maietta spending her weekends as the lead singer for the band Pop Rocks. Typically she doesn't sing to make money, but rather for the fun of performing. Sunday night was a different story.
"Tonight, it's definitely more serious," she said.
She, the rest of her band, and 11 other local acts performed a benefit concert at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday night.
Band members just felt they could do some good with their talents. They started organizing the concert right after the bridge fell.
Businesses donated items for a silent auction, including tickets to sporting events, shows, and a Paul McCartney autographed guitar. There were so many items, organizers turned away some.
According to Kim King, music director at the Fine Line, the benefit raised about $17,000.
"Honestly, like I've been telling people, I want to cry. I'm so overwhelmed with the generosity, the support and the time that people are giving to this," said Maietta.
All the money raised goes straight to the Minnesota Helps Fund, which then distributes the money to victims, rescuers, and families affected by the bridge collapse.
While the money can't bring back their loved ones, Maietta said she hopes it gives families some peace of mind.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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