Concert raises money in name of fund to assist Franklin County students

The Wounded Eagle Fund was originally set up to help some injured students. Now its mission has grown.

IF YOU GO

What: Benefit Concert for Wounded Eagle Fund and Safety Fest, featuring six live bands and safety demonstrations
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Franklin County High School, Tanyard Road, Rocky Mount
Admission: $5, includes snacks

Duncan Adams | 981-3324

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The car crash on Booker T. Washington Highway in January 2012 ended the life of one student at Franklin County High School and seriously injured three of his classmates.

In the tragedy’s aftermath, members of the Future Farmers of America chapter at the high school, home of the Eagles, established the Wounded Eagle Fund to help cover the expenses of the students in the wreck that day and their families.

Later, the fund’s mission expanded to offer assistance to other high school students in Franklin County and their families. In 2012, seven students received offers of help. In most cases, the Wounded Eagle Fund offered meal and gas cards worth about $500.

Christian LaPrad, 18, one of the students injured in the January 2012 crash, was still in the hospital last year when he thought of holding a benefit concert that would dedicate proceeds to the Wounded Eagle Fund. But an event scheduled earlier this year had to be canceled because of snow.

Now, the fundraiser is back on.

On Friday, a Wounded Eagle Benefit Concert and Safety Fest will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount. The event will be held on the parking lot near the Central Gym or, in case of rain, inside the gym.

Bands scheduled to perform include two whose members feature teachers at the high school — Kerosene Willy and Bean Dawg Mountain Boys . Also performing will be Scythe of Cronus, The Gaffer Project, Joon D and Cry for Salvation, a Christian rock band for which LaPrad plays drums and other percussion.

In addition, several safety demonstrations are planned, including chain saw, tractor and 4-wheeler safety and a drunk driving demonstration, offered by the office of the Franklin County sheriff, featuring “beer goggles” and a golf cart.

Sponsors include the FFA, the Student Council Association, Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety, Y Street, Rocky Mount Tractor, Anderson Tractor and Equipment and more.

Monday, August 12, 2013