The concert was established for local artist Chris Neale, who grew up in the Paw Paw/Kalamazoo area, to raise money for hospital bills. The name DATERAID arises from Chris' nickname growing up where he was called 'Dater', because before changing his last name to Neale, it was Date. Chris, who lives in Texas, was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissue. Doctors removed a 10-pound tumor from his abdomen that had caused a great deal of pain. Following his week-long hospital stay he had amassed around $50,000 in hospital bills, and he did not have health insurance.Click "read more" below for details.
His sister Cindy Boyer, who had been with Neale in Texas while hospitalized, started work on benefit concerts in his hometown area of Kalamazoo and Austin to aid in the thirty-six year olds recovery and pay for the medical bills. The all-day event features music from numerous Michigan artists including Eula, Jeff Soule, Double Stuffed, Fractal, Grape City Invasion, Eric Boff, Dusty Tinsel, Dooley Noted, Midwestern Lull, Stacy Koviak, Brian Koenigsknecht, Chris Brill and a Van Goes Reunion.
Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased online at www.dollarsfordater.com or at the door.
The best part is that even if you are unable to attend or live too far away for to attend the event, you can still support Chris by donating money online at the Dollars for Dater website.
The silent auction will take place during the event
For a complete music line-up, schedule of events, and additional ways you can help with DATERAID along with previews of art up for bid during the auction visit www.dollarsfordater.com