When tragedy strikes, be it in the form of a natural disaster or a random act of violence, people come together. Prayers are sent. Money is donated. And relief workers work around the clock for days, weeks, and months to help the survivors of the tragic event.
But at some point, life goes on. It goes on because it has to. There is work to be done, children to be raised, and and bills to pay.
Yes, the world stops for a moment or two in the face of great tragedy – but eventually the world must go on.
With one small exception.
The survivors of the tragedy are left to piece their lives back together. Living in before and after, they make their way through each day with the support of one another and the desperate hope of brighter days.
20 children were lost in Newtown. Families were torn apart in a moment. Final goodbyes that were not meant to be final simply had to suffice because there was no choice. Siblings were left to make sense of great loss, in some cases at the impossibly young age of three. Parents were left with the impossible task of grieving great loss while living for the remaining children.
The remaining children.
A devastating concept for any parent anywhere in the big wide world.
The world stopped for a few days. We all took a collective sharp breath lined with fear and anger while we tried to process this impossible thought. We sent money, we sent teddy bears, we sent flowers, cards, and prayers. We held our children as tight as humanly possible. And we held our breath as we sent them back to school.
Because we all know that it could have been any of us. We feel for them because we have children. We have families. We are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends, and grandparents. We are heartbroken, frustrated, and a little bit lost.
But we had to go on.
And so did every family in Newtown. With the help of the United Way, the families continue to receive counseling and support. Together, this quiet little Connecticut community is doing it’s best to forge ahead and remain strong and hopeful.
And we need to continue to help them.
Beth Bogdan, Senior Director of Artist Relations for Republic Records, former resident of Newton, CT, and longtime family friend is doing just that. Devastated by the tragedy that put her hometown on the map, Beth set out to help in some way. Knowing that music heals, Beth thought long and hard about what she could do above and beyond donating money to a fund.
With the support of Republic Records, Music for Newtown was born.
Music for Newtown is a two day online auction of some incredible music memorabilia generously donated by artists and bands. You will find everything from signed CD’s and limited edition tour posters to signed guitars and basses from some of your favorite artists.
You’ll have to visit the auction page for the complete list, but let’s just say that this auction involves donations from The Eagles, Colbie Caillat, Elton John, Eddie Vedder, Florence and The Machine, John Mayer, and many, many more.
The auction goes live tomorrow, March 25th, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the “Sandy Hook School Support Fund”.
I love it when good people do good things. Kindness makes the world a better place. So head on over to the Music for Newtown Auction and check it out, make a bid, or simply share the information with the music lovers in your life.
Let’s all come together to help the Newtown families – they need us and we need to help them.
What are you waiting for? Start bidding!
