WAIF Benefit Concert - Over $4,000 Raised!

Kody, a Belgian Malinois recently adopted through WAIF, thanks John Tristao for holding the benefit concert.

Dedicated WAIF volunteer Lynda McCormick collaborated with John Tristao to raise funds for WAIF by organizing the concert. Thanks Lynda for all your hard work for the animals!

Opening act Janie Cribbs and Joe Reggiatore performed their soulful original folk-rock-blues with a Celtic twist.

WAIF Benefit Concert — Over $4,000 Raised!

WAIF volunteer Lynda McCormick first proposed the idea of a concert to her friend, John Tristao, whose local band is "Johnny Bulldog." Despite his busy, almost year-round touring schedule with "Creedence Clearwater Revisited," John said yes. The concert was held on March 8, 2008 at Jazzbones in Oak Harbor.

Also on board for the event were "Johnny Bulldog" band members Kevin Johnson (lead guitar), Larry Mason (drums), Marcus Whiting (keyboards), and Ted Reindahl (bass).

Lynda also recruited Janie Cribbs and Joe Reggiatore (who perform as "Janie & Joe") to open the show. Both told her that they had wanted to do something for WAIF for a long time! Lisa Price, Manager of Jazzbones, provided the venue and technical support for the concert.

The concert — a huge success — netted just over $4,000. Proceeds came from ticket sales, sales of band CDs (donated to WAIF), and donations put in the "Bark for Bucks" and "Feed the Kitty" containers during the event.

Lynda — who had never organized a concert before — created tickets, posters, and flyers. She worked with WAIF staff to promote the concert, as well as sell tickets, put up posters, knock on doors, and do all the myriad of things required to make an event like this happen.

Others assisted in many ways, so every dollar raised could go to WAIF:

Whidbey Printing and Office Max donated printing services for extra-large posters
Local newspapers ran press releases and added the event to their calendars, so no ads were purchased
Miriam's Espresso Café, the WAIF Thrift Stores in Freeland and Oak Harbor, and the WAIF shelter sold tickets
WAIF staff and board members bought tickets, and in some cases, donated them after the show sold out so others could attend
Businesses all over the island placed posters in their windows
John's wife, Beth Tristao, helped sell tickets
People who care about the island's homeless dogs and cats bought all the tickets and the show completely sold out!

WAIF extends its deepest thanks to Lynda, John, Janie, Joe, and everyone else who embraced the true spirit of this precedent-setting event. You rock!

John and band (From left: John, Larry, Ted, and Kevin. Marcus not pictured).