Concert honors hurricane heroes, local children's charities
The Floridant/10251932

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- It was an evening filled with great music, emotions and recognition for those that helped support Southwest Florida in its time of need following the devastation from Hurricane Ian. The Hurricane Heroes All-Star Concert, hosted by The Charity Pros (http://thecharitypros.org/) on Saturday, Oct. 7, showcased the power of music and honored first responders, and business and community leaders that worked tirelessly to provide aid and assistance to hurricane-affected communities. Over 6,500 people turned out for the concert that raised $60,000 for area charities.

The concert's headliner, Grammy Award-nominated band Matchbox Twenty, was joined by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Don Felder, Red Hannah, popular local musicians Jay Allen, Sheena Brook, Casey Bishop, and Matty Jollie. Each of the following charities will receive $20,000 at a check presentation on Sunday, Nov. 19 at The Ranch in Fort Myers during the Rock the Stage competition Finals:

• Music aLIVE SWFL
• Lewis P. Tabarrini Children's Music Outreach Foundation
• "Megan's Wish" program

Eight heroes from across Southwest Florida were honored for their selfless acts following the storm. They include Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno; Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers; Ed and Kim Ryan of Beach Talk Radio; Pastors Shawn and Mallie Critser from Beach Baptist Church; and Doug Miller and Amy Eldridge of FK Your Diet. Awards were presented to the honorees by Lee County Commissioner Ray Sandelli, Kevin Ruane and Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. Special recognition was made to Florida Senator Jay Collins for his efforts with Operation BBQ Relief.

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"This community suffered a great deal of loss last year due to Hurricane Ian," said Charity Pros' Co-Founder Brad Maloney. "This event was our way of helping Southwest Florida move forward and bring everyone together to heal and rebuild. We're thrilled to be able to give back $60,000 to these charities."

Sponsors of the event were Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, Tito's Cantina, Robb Family Foundation, Lamar, Florida Weekly, Matter Brothers, Roof EZ, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Ace Hardware, London Bay Homes and The Landau Law Group.