Sometimes life can take you for a turn. That's what happened to those close to the late Amanda Bach who was tragically murdered around a month ago. But that's why community is still so much a necessity in our fast-paced, individualistic society and that's why people like Ed Roseberry are vital to any good community. Roseberry has been a concert promoter in the Northwest Indiana and Chicago area for 13 years, and he decided to put his skills into action after he heard the news and especially since some of his family members were close to Bach.
"When we first decided to do this, it was all really [close to the tragedy]," said Roseberry. In fact, Amanda Bach's father said that some of the band members had come to the wake and showed their support for the family. "That was pretty awesome," he commented.
Roseberry, who organizes concerts frequently for kids to hang out at and keep off the streets, was able to gather up a total of 24 bands ranging from metal to ska to acoustic acts to perform for a total of 8 hours. One hundred percent of the proceeds were donated to the family as an $8 donation at the door was charged for concert goers. A bake sale and raffling was also part of the donations. Over 500 people were in attendance even before the Sunday night lead acts were performing.
When you take a good look at Ed Roseberry, you might be led to believe, "How can he be leading such a good cause?" But, looks can be mighty deceiving.
"Just because I wear black and scream into a microphone and I'm hairy and I don't shave everyday doesn't mean I can't do a good thing for people," Roseberry said. "Aside of doing a good deed...I want to prove that just because a girl has purple hair doesn't mean she isn't going to throw a couple dollars and support a good cause."
Besides the benefit concert, many other businesses and individuals have shown their support to the Bach family including local gas stations holding donations through car washes, Cici's Pizza donating, and Kyle Gilbert started selling Bracelets for Bach for $1. All these small contributions really go a long way.
"All the businesses have been very supportive. People are donating left and right. We're still getting calls right now and people are running to pick stuff up," commented Roseberry.
Amanda Bach's parents, family, and friends have all been touched by the sincere generosity of Roseberry as well as everyone else in the community who came out to the concert. Bach's mother tearfully shared her gratitude for them.
"Thank you to all who have come out to show your support for Amanda today. And thank you to all who have taken part in organizing this celebration of Amanda's life. Thank you to all the bands for playing for Amanda today, and she loved all kinds of music. She loved dancing, and she's dancing in heaven today."
For more photos from the concert, click here.