A capacity crowd attended the benefit concert and fundraiser celebrating the life of Michele Ross and aiding her daughter Jessica. Michele was killed in a car accident in September. Jessica, a poised 17-year-old senior at the Villages High School, was at the event held on Mother’s Day at Lake Miona Recreation Center.
Michele’s best friend of more than 20 years, Lisa Coan jumped into action planning this benefit. Jessica had been hesitant about the event.
“It all seemed so overwhelming, but now I am just really thankful,” she said.
Coan, an entertainer in The Villages, called on fellow musicians to donate their time and talent. Suzie Casta was on-board immediately. Coan began by telling friends, and then friends of friends found out. Casta sent an e-mail blast to her fan base. Between the two the concert sold out in just over a week. Once they had reached capacity and people couldn’t attend, they still sent in donations.
“At my events, people were handing me fists full of money. I love my Villages family,” Casta said. “Most of the people here didn’t know Michele, but they want to help. Times like these we really pull together. Sometimes you think the world is going down the drain and then an event like this reminds you of the goodness in people.”
Also included in the musical line up were Richie Q, the Blues Brothers Tribute Act, Ron Suco and Lisa’s daughter, Cassandra. All of the entertainers had people on their feet dancing.
Proceeds from the concert will be used to purchase a car for Jessica and any additional money will be used toward Jessica’s college education. She will attend Central Florida College in Ocala for two years and is still deciding what she will do after that. She has a strong interest in film.
Jessica has known Lisa Coan since birth. In fact, Lisa hosted Michele’s baby shower when she was carrying Jessica. When Jessica starts school in the fall she will be living with Lisa and her daughter in Ocala.
Currently she is living with the Pelton family in Lady Lake.
A car will be a big help. In addition to being a senior in high school, Jessica holds down two jobs. She works at MVP in Spanish Springs and at a restaurant in Leesburg.
Jessica’s mother also worked at MVP.
“She also worked at Walgreens for years and Dunkin Donuts,” Coan said. “She did whatever she had to do to keep Jessica in the Charter School.”
In opening remarks at the beginning of the concert, Coan described her friend Michele. “She gave her all to everyone whether two-legged or four legged. It was not unusual for her to show up at Thanksgiving with a lost soul or two. She was so generous and a giver, in life and beyond. Michele was a tissue and organ donor.”
Coan said the donations have been extremely generous.
“It is overwhelming.When I think of everyone’s generosity it brings me to tears.”
If you would like to help Jessica, email Coan at agreatfind998@aim.com
