Because of Chad's enthusiastic and hard-working friends, a SECOND memorial concert was held on January 10, 2009. It was a huge success! We must thank EVERYONE who attended and participated in this event, especially this year's "dream team": Jeremy Maida, Dustin Desanto, Jim Watts, Nick Garramone, Matt Beal, Tonia Kangas, Bridgit and Brian Maruska, Bjorn Werner, Stephanie Fechner, Sam Maida and Darren Hanson. They all worked hard on putting all the ideas together and making this work. A special thanks to Nick and Dustin for getting all the volunteers who helped at the door that night, because we would not be able to do it without them. Thanks also to those who helped sell our t-shirts, window clings and 2008 concert DVD. Bridgit and Stephanie took on the silent auction and worked it the entire evening. They did a fabulous job and it was well worth all the effort put into it! We need to say a big thank you to Al Terwey and his staff at Mr. D's for accommodating us and being so very easy to work with. They worked very hard that night to keep up with the crowd. Not always so easy. We would also like to thank all the area merchants and friends who donated to the silent auction. We raised $830 with auction bids! Without Jeremy, none of this would happen. He puts his heart and soul into putting together the best concert he can; and it always doesn't go smoothly or easily, but nothing stops him! He put together an incredible line up of music this year. Where does one even begin to thank him for all his efforts. He had a few bumps in the road this year, but what a concert it turned out to be!! Everyone loved all the music and couldn't stop saying how much they enjoyed all the different bands. We especially need to thank each and every member of the bands that so generously donated themselves to this event: Corwin & Scott, The Undesirables, The Alrights, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Acceleratii, and Retribution Gospel Choir. YOU ALL PACKED THE HOUSE! It was great to see and hear the $ellOut$ again this year. They will always remain close in our hearts! And then there were drums....by Maida & Maruska! They were awesome and people are still talking about how great they were. THANKS TO ALL THE MUSICIANS WHO TOOK PART THIS YEAR...YOU ARE TALENTED AS WELL AS GENEROUS! There is another person that needs to be thanked for his input and that is Chris Benson. He is our website guru and without his expertise this website wouldn't be what it is. We think he has done a super job putting it together and thank him for doing it so willingly, thanks Chris. The generosity of everyone this year was again overwhelming. We raised more money than last year and look forward to making contributions to youth hockey and music in Chad's memory. It remains heartwarming for us to know that so many people continue to celebrate his passions and carry on his spirit. He would, again, be so very humbled! We thank you all so very much. The Family of Chad
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