“For the Benefit of Statts” – Bringing out the best in Savannah

* UPDATE * You can now buy tix online.

The true test in any community is not how good a leader it has, how many companies set up shop, how well traffic flows or how safe grandma feels outside after dark.  While all those things are of great import, the true test of a community – the measure of what makes it a community – is how much it’s people care for one another and how they come together in times of need.

One year ago, two friends of the creative movement, creatives themselves, were assaulted and shot in the wee hours of the morning as they unloaded musical equipment after their band’s first gig.  One of them, Jason Statts, is still fighting to normalize a life altered, having suffered a serious spinal cord injury from the gunshot.

Before the incident, Jason worked as a talented musician and great visual artist.  He is a part of our creative economy and through his talents and interests – as well as his generosity, character and coolness as a person – has enriched this community.  There is no better evidence of that than the outpouring of support from friends, neighbor, colleagues and even strangers in the wake of the attack.

We spend alot of time as Savannahians patting ourselves on the back.  We feel so fortunate to live, work and play in such a fantastic city.  It’s hard not to gloat sometimes!  We have it made… but we aren’t immune to some of the harsher realities of life.  But it is the most difficult times that force us to ask ourselves: What are we made of?  What is the fabric of Savannah?

One year later, myself and a whole host of volunteers, vendors, donors, promoters and sponsors have pulled together to present “For the Benefit of Statts” on Friday, June 12 at Savannah Station.  It is more than an event; It is a community’s response to a friend in need.   The entirety of the event is built on donations and volunteer man hours.  And it to me it represents everything that is good in this town, including a heavy streak creativity and a strong sense of community.

To be sure, Jason Statts and his wife still carry a tremendous burden for a young, talented and vibrant couple. “For the Benefit of Statts” will once again bring our community together in gratitude and generosity to help Jason and Lyra Statts with the considerable financial challenges they will continue to face for the
foreseeable future.

On top of that, it will be one helluva party.

Eventgoers will be privy to complimentary wine and Moon River beer (cash bar also available), free eats/treats from many of Savannah’s finest eateries (ala Taste of Savannah), live music from (not one, not two, not three, but…) FOUR local music acts, and (if that weren’t enough) access to a raffle, live auction and silent auction featuring over 100 donated items from the best artists around, as well as local businesses, retailers and organizations.

Doors open for auction preview at 4:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6pm. Live entertainment includes the Joe Nelson Band, the Josh Maul Blues Band, The 8-Tracks and DJ Emkay (that’s artist Marcus Kenney, people). Tickets are on sale for $25 in advance at the following downtown locations: Arcanum, Primary Art Supply , The Jinx (cash only).  Tickets will be $30 at the door the night of the benefit.  More information can be found at www.stattsbenefit.com.

In general, we believe in the simple power of community, “community” as a verb.  We encourage you to send Jason your positive energy and well-wishes as he continues to heal.  Be there on June 12.

What: “For the Benefit of Statts”

When: Friday, June 12, auction preview at 4:30 pm, event begins at 6:00 pm

Where: Savannah Station (map)