Concert for a Cause inspires generosity through music

It is sometimes surprising how one person can inspire many others to give tirelessly. Karen Greenberg Revit had this gift. Sadly, it was her death in 1998 that inspired her last gift to the community--the chance to help those who suffer from leukemia and countless others in need.

What began as a benefit concert in her name in 1999, “Concert for Karen,” has since become one of the largest charity events in NEPA benefiting a variety of charity organizations throughout the years such as the Child Development Council of NEPA and Luzerne County Head Start. On April 22, 2009, “Concert for a Cause 7: A Concert for Karen” celebrated it's tenth anniversary by again recognizing Revit as one of the many people who have suffered and lost the fight with leukemia. The Woodlands Inn and Resort in Plains Township set four stages as thirty seven musicals acts and a massive crowd came out to show support for the United Way Leukemia Fund. 

“This is a big deal for us... going back to our roots and having this year's concert in Karen's name. This year is our 10^th Anniversary. It has been exactly ten years today since we had the concert for Karen. It's a kind of a reflective night, but it's also exciting because we're going to raise money for the United Way Leukemia Fund,” said Weekender music columnist and Newspapers In Education Manager at the Times Leader, Alan Stout.

Stout and Revit were once friends and colleagues at the magazine Sound Check. Stout helped start “Concert for Karen” and has played a major part in the organization of every “Concert for a Cause” since. 

In addition, The Weekender has been one of the major sponsors of the event.  “It's great to see so many people here, especially at times like this when we're are always trying to make more money than last year,” said Weekender staff writer Nikki Mascali. “If we could match what we made last year, this year's concert would be a great success.” 

Since “Concert for Karen” on April 22, 1999, the event has raised nearly $165,000 for charity organizations. Last year's concert raised approximately $16,000. Proceeds from admission, t-shirts, a rock auction, and an upcoming CD from the event will all be donated to charity.

Because of the success of “Concert for a Cause,” Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton officially proclaimed Wednesday April, 22 “Concert for a Cause Day” to acknowledge its many supporters.

“I must say that the communication between the Woodlands and these bands is rocking the valley. It's a great cause and for Karen, too, because she died at such a young age,” said Sandy Casterline. Casterline and Revit went to school together when they were younger.

Casterline remembers Karen fondly. “She was a smart girl. It's an honor to be here for her,”  she said.

Among the bands that played, many of the musicians have played every concert since it's inception. Wilkes University alumnus and lead guitarist of the band, The Underground Saints, Pat Flynn, has played at every concert.

“I always play for the cause and Alan always picks great causes. He's the Bob Geldof [organizer of Live Aid] of NEPA. I also come for the comradeship of the musicians. You don't get to see this many musicians all at once, especially because you play all year round,” said Flynn.

Along with The Underground Saints, many other local musicians played the charity concert such as 40lb. Head, The Swims, Bret Alexander formerly of The Badlees, and Revit's niece, Nicole Erin Carey.