Flood Benefit Concert Raises Money and Hope for Birdland Residents

Friday, August 1, 2008 – West Des Moines United Methodist Church (WDMUMC) at the corner of 8th Street and Grand Avenue held a benefit concert last night in their parking lot, and plenty of generous fans turned out. They listened to Bob Pace and The Blues Groove along with a host of other blues and rock-and-roll greats from the Des Moines area. Nearly 300 area residents attended to enjoy the show and good food. But their impressive donations of more than $9,000 are what surprised so many.

Pastor, John Augspurger pointed out, “We started out with a goal of three to five thousand -- then we were amazed when we had reached the six-thousand dollar mark just halfway into the show!”

All of the donations collected at the free concert will be given directly to Des Moines residents in the Birdland area affected by the June floods. Any homeowners from the Birdland area who would like to apply for those relief funds can contact the church for more information, or fill out the online form at wdmumc.org.

“All of the funds will directly benefit those people in our local community who are trying to rebuild and get their lives, and their homes, back in order,” said Augspurger.

"We just had a blast because this event gathered people from all across the metro area for a great evening of blues music—and we all left feeling great,” said Augspurger. “This money should help ease the financial burden these folks are feeling, to fill-in where FEMA and other agencies may not be able to help.”

Pastor Augspurger added, "In fact, we are confident that we can exceed ten thousand dollars once the final contributions are tallied -- many folks who couldn't attend want an opportunity to give." Further contributions are being accepted through mid-August by the WDMUMC. Send checks payable to "WDMUMC" with "Flood Benefit" noted in the memo to West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50265.

This idea for this benefit concert came from musician Bob Pace in late June. Pace is a well-known blues and rock-and-roll guitarist, singer and songwriter. He has played in more bands than he can remember, and has played along with and opened for many of the legendary names in blues and rock. Pace will be inducted into the Iowa Rock’n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame next month. Other featured musicians for the concert included Steve George, Bee Jae Fleming and Barb Miller.

Pace and Pastor John Augspurger sing and play guitar in the WDMUMC praise band each Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

While most of the preparation effort for this event came from volunteer members, the church wishes to thank two corporate contributors: Pine Ridge Farms and Two Rivers Marketing, both of Des Moines. Pine Ridge Farms provided a large donation of pork for the meal, and Two Rivers Marketing created the posters and HTML e-mail blast.