GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For Troy Heinz, a Green Bay musician, the damage seen in North Carolina by Hurricane Helene back in September hits home.
“Lot of friends still and family even still down there, and once, you know, I heard the devastation that these people were going through and the, you know, the seriousness of what they’re dealing with down there, I had to do something,” said Heinz.
Heinz spent time in his early life in the Asheville area, and now he and fellow musician Patrick Rades are doing what they can to send more help to the region, through the power of music.
The pair organized ‘Harmony for Helene,’ a benefit concert to raise money for nonprofit BeLoved Asheville’s hurricane response.
Ned Kelly’s Pub in downtown Green Bay, hosted the benefit, which included four area bands and a raffle.
Rades first came up with the idea a couple of months ago with his wife, before teaming up with Heinz.
“Bringing people together, uniting for a common cause is something that brought us together to do this,” said Rades.
Officials in North Carolina believe Helene caused at least $53 billion in damage and recovery needs.
Helene also killed more than 200 people across multiple states.
Those who attended the musical benefit, like Tom Depas, were eager to pitch in what they could.
“Helping people is so important,” said Depas. “You’ve got to help people, and it’s just devastated out there.”
Items for an auction were donated by many throughout the community.
Organizers say they couldn’t find a better way to help those in need, than to use their love of music to be the driver of their cause.
“To have music tied into it, you know, that’s a little something special, too,” said Heinz.
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