Brother Dan’s Got A Big Heart

Feb. 5, 2016

Petoskey Charity Concert Returns

What better day than Valentine’s Day to host an event that’s all about showing a little love to the community? The Have a Heart Brother Dan’s Valentine’s Benefit gives even more purpose to the holiday with their charity concert, now in its seventh year.

HEART FULL OF SOUL

The original event was founded and run by Petoskey native Bob Greenway, who was also one half of the musical duo Jusduit with fellow local Jeff Pagel. Greenway had been volunteering at Brother Dan’s Food Pantry in Petoskey and wanted to help even more; the first Have a Heart benefit raised more than $10,000 for the charity organization under Greenway’s enthusiastic direction. He brought together musicians from folk to rock to soul to help support the food pantry. The event has continued to raise similar amounts each year via a day-long combination of live performances, auctions and raffles, games, dancing and food.

MY HEART WILL GO ON Greenway has since moved to Florida and will be stepping down from his chairman position, but the Valentine’s benefit will continue, as Greenway hands over the reins to a dozen local folks he calls his “team of chairmen/ chairwomen,” assisted by Food Pantry Director Mary Moellering. The event itself will remain the same; included with each ticket is the full day’s entertainment, plus a buffet of food and treats donated by local restaurants, delis and grocery stores. A cash bar will be available.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Also donating their time and talents are the musicians who will perform at the benefit. This year’s performers include The Jelly Roll Blues Band, Pete Kehoe with Michelle Chenard, The Owen James Trio, Greenway’s former musical cohort Pagel and a little warm-weather Caribbean flair from The Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band. An “all-star jam” will wrap up the event at the end of the evening.

“These are some of the best entertainers you will find in northwest Michigan,” Greenway said.

DON’T BREAK MY HEART

You can help continue Greenway’s work and support the food pantry by simply attending.

“All funds raised will still go directly to the food pantry and all workers at the pantry, including the director, give of their time generously,” Greenway said.

This year’s event falls right on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, and will again take place at the Petoskey Fairgrounds.

“Having Valentine’s Day as the center of interest for our event shows the love, care and concern that the Brother Dan’s organization and its volunteers have for their fellow man and the community,” Greenway said. “We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their whole-hearted efforts.”

The Brother Dan’s Have a Heart Valentine’s Benefit will take place at the Emmet County Community Building at the Petoskey Fairgrounds (entrance on Eppler Road) on Sunday, Feb. 14 from 11:30am to 9pm. Admission is $15 for adults; kids 12 and under are free. For more information, visit brotherdans.org or call (231) 347-7423.