More than 300 guests filled Deaton Gymnasium Feb. 19 for a howling good time with the world-famous Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos during Concert for a Cause. The joint fundraiser for Ferrell Hospital Foundation and Southeastern Illinois College Foundation brought in just over $20,000 to be evenly split between the two charities.
A number of community members and business owners made the evening possible through sponsorships and ticket sales. Sponsorships ranged from $2,000 to $300. The On Top of the World premier sponsor was Align Wealth Management – Michael Tison. The next top sponsor, a Jukebox Hero, was Beecher & Helen Williams. Don’t Stop Believin’ sponsors included Banterra Bank, First Bank of Carmi, Jim Hayes, Inc., Legence Bank, Pepsi Mid-America, and Senator Dale Fowler.
Dream Weaver sponsors included Aramark Uniform Services, Dr. Jonah and Megin Rice, Ferrell Hospital, First Mid-Illinois Bank, Hardin County Pharmacy, Linemen’s Lounge, Oldham Boy Outdoor Advertising, Representative Patrick Windhorst, and Tom and Chloe Ann Clore.
“Doing events like Howl at the Moon, makes the partnership between Ferrell Hospital and SIC even stronger. Both organizations work so well together to plan and execute a great evening, that is both enjoyable and beneficial to causes that benefit our communities,” said Ferrell Hospital CEO Alisa Coleman. “We are so appreciative of the overwhelming response from the community, which demonstrates the support for both SIC and Ferrell Hospital.”
The night started with a salad and pasta dinner prepared by SIC Falcon Bistro chef Michael Intravaia, tea donated by McAlister’s Deli, cakes donated by Maple Street Café at Ferrell Hospital, and cash bar services donated by Morello’s. Morello’s also donated $1 from the sale of each specialty drink -- the Southeastern Sweetheart and the Ferrell Forget-Me-Not -- back to the fundraiser. Guests enjoyed dressing up for the photo booth, donated for the evening by Epic Snap Photo Booth, as well as the balloon pop made possible by Sen. Dale Fowler with prizes donated by many local businesses. The stage was donated for the evening by Eldorado High School.
Many businesses in the community supported the event through auction items, of which there was a wide array from themed baskets, artwork, and gift certificates, to St. Louis Blues Hockey tickets, leaf blowers, and a fire pit, in addition to many other items. The auction was conducted online, allowing those who could not attend to participate and show their support.
The talented musicians from Howl at the Moon took requests and got the audience singing and dancing from 7 to about 9:30 p.m. The generous audience tipped heavily to outdo other tables and get their songs played, and the musicians donated all tips back to the fundraiser.
Half of the money raised will fund Ferrell Hospital’s new Hematology and Oncology Services for Cancer Pathways Midwest providing free services to any person with cancer, their caregivers, family and friends regardless of where cancer treatment occurs.
The other half will go to the endowment for SIC student scholarships and support. Additionally, every dollar raised for SIC will be doubled by a federal Title III grant, making the total proceeds from the event even larger.
“SIC is always pleased to collaborate with our great community partners like Ferrell Hospital,” said SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice. “Our annual Howl at the Moon fundraiser was the biggest ever this year—a testament to the great community we have supporting our great organizations.”
Concert for a Cause will be back for the fourth time in 2023 on Feb. 11 with Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos.
Alerts Sign-up