In the spring of 1997, shortly after our family learned my sister Linda had MS, I was deeply disturbed by the process's, treatments, hospitalizations and in home health care which my sister was to endure. Though she was married at the time, I knew this catastrophic illness would reach far into their pockets and possibly drain them of all they had. There is no cure for MS and treatments are numerous and costly. At the same time Linda was enduring these dreadful difficulties I was busy putting a personal relationship which had been unraveling, behind me. I was now looking for something to get my mind off my troubles. At the time my music had been dormant and not serving any purpose but my own satisfactions. I decided to put my musical, philanthropic talents to work for my sister. The idea to put on a benefit concert was born. I began by searching for a concert hall, then calling on friends in the local music business I had already known such as; Michael Smith and rock 'n' roll heavy hitter Dirty Dan Buck and the Boyzz. Once I had my venue chosen I started calling on all my musician friends such as; Al Ehrich, Angela Licari, Rich Koc, Kurt Christensen, and Paul Weaver. A date was set for August 22nd, 1997. In the seven year's to come I gave three such benefit concerts, raising nearly to $46,000.00 to help pitch in my fair share to Linda's in home health care costs. It is important to note her costs were so enormous that my contributions remained but a smaller portion of what was truly needed. My Mother, my Father my sister Nancy and her husband Brad Gamss along with help from our cousins family; the Schawk's, all contributed to making sure Linda had the best care we could provide her.

Years earlier her husband, Rod Walton, divorced her and gave up after suffering his own troubles caring for Linda, a weak position at best. He had the help of a loving brother in law and an entire family to help out emotionally and financially. Mr. Walton never called or showed up to Linda's memorial service nor did he call or attend our mother's funeral when she passed away shortly after Linda death... again a weak position at best.

Linda passed away on October 16th, 2006. It was an enormous undertaking to help Linda survive all those years. As much as her disease affected her mind, I know in my heart she appreciated it. She still lives with me!

Click on the program cover's below (1997, 2001, 2004) and view details, pictures and audio of each benefit show I put on.