Clemy’s Crew Supporting Idaho Families of Pediatric Patients With Saturday Benefit Event
As more than 8,000 families in Idaho have kids with special healthcare needs, the nonprofit organization Clemy’s Crew is rallying the citizens of the state to provide much-needed assistance by staging a benefit concert at Treefort Music Hall on Saturday.
Dubbed the “Concert for Compassion,” the inaugural event will support families of Idaho pediatric patients going through medical crises. It will run from 5 to 9 p.m. and feature performances by local bands, a silent auction, raffle prizes, pizza and a full bar.
Clemy’s Crew has helped more than 30 families of pediatric patients during medical crises in its first year. President and founder [editor’s note: and all-around great guy] Scott Thompson recently told us that Clemy’s Crew aims to help far more families next year – but will need substantial community support to accomplish that goal.
“Clemy’s Crew is built on the foundation that we are stronger together, than we are alone,” according to a statement on its website. “Come show Idaho families that their community will support them during their darkest times.”
Thompson and his wife grew up in Twin Falls. Inspired by support they received when their daughter, Clementine, suffered from a rare neurological disorder that attacked her spinal cord and caused a spinal cord injury at six months old, they launched Clemy’s Crew.
“We had a really wonderful and unexpected level of support from a very large network across six continents,” he reflected. “The arms of the world wrapped around us and supported us, which was absolutely beautiful. It was also very apparent at the time that we were blessed whereas other people didn’t have that same level of support. We have great employers, and we’re financially stable, and we have a network that can support us. Other families are struggling, so [we created Clemy’s Crew] as a way of paying forward the love and support we received.
“When you’re in a crisis mode, you don’t know what to do, and a lot of people have limited access to resources,” he continued. “Even if you can long-term resources, Medicaid and financial support, those things take time to kick in. Our goal is to be very quick and to help in the wee hours of the experience. Our daughter is still recovering – it’ll be one of those lifelong-treatment situations – but we’re super-lucky and take every day as a blessing as much as possible. But because it could be so much worse, that makes us want to help others less fortunate all the more.”
We checked in with a couple of the bands set to perform at the event, who voiced their full-throated support for the charity event.
Tony Sheehan of the band Dad Bod said: “We play music because we truly enjoy it. If we can do it while also doing good for the world cause, then we will do it every time. Clementine goes to school with my son, and I know how much love her family and community have for her. We’re excited to support her and the families with children in the midst of medical battles, while also playing at an amazing venue. The fact that it’s the weekend of Thanksgiving is absolutely perfect – the benefit concert will be such a great way to celebrate, connect and show support for a great cause.”
Connor Wade, who has played fiddle for local band Sheep Bridge Jumpers since they originated 10 years ago, added: “Clemy’s Crew is helping so many families who are struggling to give their kiddos the care they need and deserve to be healthy and happy. I have known Scott for many years and have seen how much time, energy and effort he has put into supporting his daughter Clementine. [His family’s] resilience is inspiring, and the fact that they have taken up the torch to help other families in need continues to deepen my respect and love for this incredible family.
“Music is healing. Scott and I have played music together almost 20 years, and I cannot think of a better way honor and support my friend and all the lives he is working to change than by joining in to give the gift of music!”
Buy tickets for “A Concert for Compassion” here. Find more information about the event here.
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