In response to the devastating hurricanes that hit the Southeastern United States this year, local musicians, organizers, and bars are teaming up to collect supplies to donate to families in need. Supplies such as building and cleaning supplies, personal care items, shoes for kids and adults, food, gift cards, water, and more. Papa’s Tavern 2.0, Wheelin’ On The Rocks, Brewing Green, and Venue 18 are hosting simultaneous events for it on Sunday, November 17th.
We spoke with Dee Brown, an organizer for the events, to learn more.
What were the thoughts behind having this at four different locations on the same day?
Simply put: 4 locations in three cities on one day is the best way to include as many people as possible, all at once. We already had two locations in Toledo that wanted to help. And then I was talking to my friend Matt Pack who is an owner of the tattoo shop in Florida. We were talking about how there is a guy named Joe Frias who works at the Tarpon Springs Tattoo Company, and is also an owner of a shop in BG. (Murder Ink). Matt is the one who brought up the idea of throwing a second city in the mix. We thought that if we included BG being that is where Joe is from, people there would want to help too. Venue 18 in Fostoria was included because my son, Keenan Brown, has organized a number of events there. I knew if we included them, it would give us a further reach and larger impact.
How did you link up with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs and Tarpon Springs Tattoo Company?
Matt Pack is a long time friend of mine, from my home town of Findlay. We communicated regularly throughout the entire process of his preparing for, surviving through, and picking up the pieces after both hurricanes that smacked right into his home and business. When my friend, Ben Miller (a musician in Toledo), brought the idea to me about doing a benefit, I called Matt and told him. Through this call, Matt gave me the name of the UU Church. We were looking for an organization in the area that could help us find the truly needy. So that we would be able to assist them.
The UU Church believes everyone is important. They love everyone equally. When I approached them, they were more than willing to help. The church is going to help us on the other end with deliveries. And the tattoo shop is hosting a pick-up location in their parking lot. We are targeting our help on a few specific groups that have received little to no assistance. Groups like a 55+ low income residential (as opposed to seasonal) mobile home community, a group of families that all lost their homes when their apartment complex was destroyed, the unhoused population in the area; these are our target groups for assistance. And the church has helped us with organizing everything on that end.
Aside from the obvious, what inspired putting this together?
When Ben Miller approached me with the idea, I already was in the process of making plans to take time off work and travel to Florida to help my friends and family there. When he proposed the idea to me, this thing took on a life of its own very quickly. I thought that making the event as big as I could, would be the best way to do the most good to help those affected by both hurricanes. Why not expand the effort and see if I can get the 419 to help the 727.
What can people expect at each location?
Each location will be a little different. Venue 18 is going to be a completely fun and non-traditional event for a fundraiser. Wheein’ on the Rocks is our home base. That’s where you’ll find me. We are doing a collection site there along with a flower auction organized by the owner of Wheelin’. Thanks to John McAfee running sound, the music will be flowing there from 2pm-9pm with Toledo’s top talent.
Papa’s Tavern was kind enough to volunteer to be a venue. And we are excited to have them. Tim and the staff there are organizing a 50/50 and raffle there. From 1pm-9pm, the music will get your feet moving. All the locations are collection sites for donation drop offs.
Brewing Green is going to have some fantastic music including a local favorite, Chris Sayler.
And Venue 18 is hosting a Sunday night “rave.”
How can people help if they’re unable to attend?
They can donate at: https://www.uutarpon.org/donate/
We are asking that when donating online you make a note that it is for “Humanity Against Hurricanes.”
Papa’s Tavern 2.0. 1pm to 9pm. 1328 Liberty St, Toledo, OH 43605
Wheelin’ On The Rocks. 2pm to 8pm. 2640 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH 43613
Brewing Green. 2pm to 8pm. 322 N Grove St, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Venue 18. 6pm to 10pm. 11295 OH-18, Fostoria, OH 44830
