Artists to stage concerts to aid crash victim
Local talent will be pulling out all the stops this weekend for a charity concert in aid of crash victim Dion Ford.The father-of-three sustained serious internal injuries when he and his best friend, Lenario Simmons, were involved in a head-on crash in Hamilton Parish on Father’s Day.The accident left both men in hospital. Mr Ford, 33, was flown overseas for emergency surgery and treatment at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital.He is now said to be in relatively good spirits while he continues to undergo treatment at that city’s Spalding Rehabilitation.Local artists learnt about Mr Ford’s struggle and have banded together for the fundraiser, Spotlight for a Cause.Four shows, put on by event management group CKC Corporation, will be held at Whitney Institute Middle School hall in order to raise funds for his medical expenses.The first show will be held on Saturday. Entitled Setting the Stage, its line-up includes gospel, reggae, hip-hop and dance performances.Two concerts will follow next month, with the final one held in September.CKC CEO Cha’Von Clarke is a childhood friend of Mr Ford’s.She said: ”He is an all-around nice guy and I think he has made his mark in the community. The number of individuals that know him it’s astronomical in terms of how he has touched so many people from different walks of life.”She said she sent an e-mail inviting local artists to take part in the event and in the space of a few hours 30 performers had agreed to lend their talents.Ms Clarke said any cash raised would go towards helping Mr Ford’s family cope with medical costs not covered by insurance.It would also help the families of his three children grapple with other expenses that have piled up due to not having a second income.Ms Clarke said Mr Ford was humbled by the community’s support.She said: “He keeps thanking everyone constantly.“He is beyond himself and his parents and family are totally appreciative of everything that is being done.”Saturday’s line-up of performers include: Ryan Bean, Capricorn Jones, K&N Crew, Jamawayne, J-Silva, Teja Watson, New Bosses, The Dynamic Trio, Dae, Live Wires, Big Snipes and Marvilos.Local celebrity hosts for the series will include: R?ddla and Djata of Chewstick, Wayne Caines, Jah Simmons and PowerGirl Trina.Ms Clarke encouraged the entire community to come out to the “wholesome family events”.The following shows will be held on August 13 and 27 and September 10 at 7.30pm.“This is an opportunity to come out and support a fellow Bermudian. You just do not know where life will take you, I am sure Dion didn’t think he would be in this situation.“I think it’s important for us as a community to realise we are small and we will need help at some point in time.”She thanked supporters and the event’s sponsors for donating their time and talents to the project.Advance tickets are available for $15 at Kit & Caboodle. Tickets are $20 at the door; VIP tickets are $30. Tickets for the entire four nights may be purchased for $50 general admission or $100 for VIP seating.l For more information, e-mail info[AT]ckccorporation.com or call 516-0473.