Bands unite to benefit family of young girl with heart condition
When two area bands take to the stage Saturday, they’ll do more than entertain a packed house. They’ll also raise money to benefit a Washington County girl in need of surgery to correct a rare heart defect.
The bands, 2 Thumbs Up and Black Dog Hollow, will perform beginning at 8 p.m. at Friendship Lounge, located off Route 40 in Richeyville. Admission is $5 per person, and all proceeds will be donated to the family of Whitney Marie Klages.
The 4-year-old girl, daughter of Barry and Amanda Klages of Washington, was diagnosed with a terminal heart condition that places her at risk of cardiac arrest and stroke. She is scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery May 22 to correct the problem, after already having endured multiple surgeries within the past year to address other health issues.
“She has beaten so many odds that we are still holding onto faith and being optimistic,” said Amanda Klages. “She is a very caring and loving little girl, and whomever she meets, she impacts. I work full-time, as does her father, and two incomes are needed to support our family. Because of Whitney’s condition, I have missed a lot of work, and money is beyond tight.”
When learning about the Klages’ situation, 2 Thumbs Up drummer Charles Elias and Black Dog Hollow keyboardist Jim Black set out to organize the fund-raiser to benefit the family and help offset some of the costs of Whitney’s treatment. The show will feature more than five hours of live classic rock, dance, and country music from two of the area’s most dynamic bands. Additionally, prize drawings and 50/50 raffles will be held throughout the evening.
“Normally, we play music for fun, but on this night we’ll play for much more,” Black said. “We hope to get a good response and help raise money for this worthy cause.”
For more information or to make a donation to support the Klages family, call 724-531-5668.