Concert to benefit cancer center

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

A benefit is going to be held on Friday, June 17 to help the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Cancer Center in McAllen.

“The reason why we wanted to do this for Vannie E. Cook was because I have a cousin, he’s a year old, his name is Evan Shropshire, and he was diagnosed with leukemia not too long ago,” said organizer Micky Gonzales, who just recently graduated from San Benito High School.

Gonzales said that his family was greatly impacted by his cousin’s diagnosis. He said that his family had never been through anything close to their current situation, and the fact that it’s a little child makes the situation harder to deal with.

“We were told about Vannie E. Cook in McAllen. They don’t really have too much recognition,” said Gonzales. “A lot of people don’t really know about the services that they offer, because a lot of the things that they offer we don’t have in the Valley. Children there are always having transfusions, and sometimes it’s hard to find a donor. They’ve been open since 2000, and they have treated over 5,000 children. They haven’t turned one down who wasn’t able to pay.”

The benefit, which is being called “One For The Kids”, will feature four bands, including Madelyn Victoria and Southern Train, as well as an acoustic set, numerous car clubs, and special guest speakers.

“The reason why a lot of bands and car clubs are involved is because we wanted to put something together to put out some positive recognition,” said Gonzales. “We want people to see that we’re trying to help out with what’s going on. We’re going to have some speakers there, including some parents whose children go to Vannie E. Cook.”

“One For The Kids” is set for Friday, June 17 next to Gillman Honda Dealership from 5-11 p.m. The event is open to the public with a $2 donation. All proceeds will be going to the Vannie E. Cook Cancer Center in McAllen.

To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the June 12 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.