Bandmates, Brothers and Friends and JayR Brink Band to perform this Friday; Proceeds to enhance infusion, chemotherapy services

This Friday night, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for the third year in a row with another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. This year they will be joined by The JayR Brink Bank as part of the musical line-up, all taking place this Friday evening May 9, from 6-11 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon.

The first set of BBF members will take the stage to begin the night, offering a variety of older country music, with a second set of BBF members performing a variety of hits from the 1950s through the 1990s.  The JayR Brink Band will be finishing out the night with its well-known variety of music covering a mix of country, folk and oldies with a folky, alternative country style.

Free-will donations will be accepted at the door that night, as well as online, to benefit the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Health Care Foundation in upgrading the hospital’s chemotherapy infusion suites with more comfortable exam rooms, privacy features, and enhanced technology as well as providing comfort items such as blankets, headphones, reading materials, and personal care kits for the patients.

“We thank BBF for once again choosing to support the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation,” states Brittney Snitker, Pharmacy Director at VMH. “We plan to use these generous funds to enhance and expand our chemotherapy and oncology services and improve the comfort and overall experience of patients undergoing cancer treatments here at VMH. Our goal is to keep our patients close to home and offer exceptional oncology care locally. This fundraiser will support critical upgrades to treatment facilities, the acquisition of advanced medical equipment, and the introduction of supportive resources such as therapy programs, comfort kits, and dedicated spaces designed to reduce stress and promote healing.”

“Our goal is to ensure every cancer patient feels supported not just medically, but emotionally and physically as well,” adds Abby Dornath, Infusion and Outpatient Services Supervisor.  “We are so excited patients can receive their services close to home. These funds will directly enhance the patient experience, from the quality of their care to the comfort of their surroundings.”

Many of the returning BBF musicians are from Waukon including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers and John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty (in memory of his brother, Pat, an original guitarist), Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the years.

“We had a blast with The Toe Tappers last year, and we’re equally excited to be working with The JayR Brink Band this year. That means a fun night and a variety of music everyone can enjoy, sing with, and dance to. That means oldies, country, rock, and all from the last few decades,” states Bill 

Withers, Event Coordinator. “This year is even more special, particularly so for my brothers and me, Jim and John, as BBF is also dedicating their time in memory of our dad who died this past September after a long career as a Waukon family practice physician. We hope folks come out to remember and celebrate him as well, and to support something he dedicated his entire career to.  He loved this community and doing medicine here. He and mom always supported the BBF band guys too, they loved all the musicians and remained friends with their families over the years.”

“It’s great to be a part of this third year playing with our old buddies, and raising money for a wonderful cause! I can’t wait to see everyone again!” adds BBF member Brad Prestemon.  “Come on out and support the hospital and have a fun evening with old friends!”

JayR Brink adds, “We are very excited to be a part of this show with Bandmates, Brothers, and Friends. Looking forward to meeting and hearing stories from all of the members. So much history! All four members of The JayR Brink Band are ready for a night of great music for a great cause!”

Pizza by the slice will be offered for sale and a cash bar will also be available hosted by the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion.

Again, donations will be accepted at the door or on-line at www.veteransmemorialhospital.com, or by using the QR code accompanying this article. PayPal, debit and credit cards are all accepted. All proceeds will benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation and, this year, the Infusion and Outpatient Chemotherapy Services at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

As Bill Withers Jr. concluded, “There’s a love and commitment to doing this benefit due to our love for our hometown, the many friendships and memories around the music, and all the venues we’ve played over the years. And this year, what an incredible cause. How could you not support local healthcare in your hometown?”