Lyons Township High School concert to benefit Kelli O’Laughlin fund

Kelli O'Laughlin

Updated: September 17, 2012 12:44PM

Her middle name was Joy and, as fitting as that proved for her personality and spirit, it also applies to the ways in which Kelli O’Laughlin’s life and legacy has touched the community.

In honor of O’Laughlin, whose life was cut short last October during a break-in at her Indian Head Park home, her friends have organized a concert benefitting the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Fund. The performance, titled JOY, is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Reber Center at Lyons Township High School, 100 S. Brainard, La Grange, and features incoming LTHS sophomores through the graduating class of 2012.

Mark Gomez, one of O’Laughlin’s good friends and classmates, was among those who spearheaded this event.

“We were talking one day about names for the show, and I thought of her middle name and how it means a lot and says what we are trying to do with the concert, to spread joy the community and the school. It’s a good way to start the school year — with joy,” explains Gomez.

Indeed, the concert was created to be inspirational.

“The songs that were chosen are uplifting and upbeat. It’s a great feeling from her life,” he says.

According to Gomez, the casting call earlier this summer brought out several top-quality performers.

“There will be mash-ups and original performances, which are just amazing,” he says.

Tickets to the JOY concert are $5 each. O’Laughlin’s friends also will be selling bracelets, T-shirts, raffle tickets and concessions to help raise money for the scholarship fund, which the O’Laughlin family set up to provide educational opportunities for young people who share their daughter’s dedication to family, friends and the community

So far, ticket sales have been strong, reports Gomez, who says that they are looking to maximize capacity at the Reber Center venue to accommodate all of the community interest.

In addition to Gomez, other student organizers of the JOY concert include Emily Atseff, Ella DaDan, Katlyn Freeman, David Hussey, Jessica Klimes, Annie LeFevour, Matt McDonnell, Emily Parkes, Kaity Shepard and Alex Wenstrup.

Gomez also credits LTHS principal David Franson with supporting the group’s efforts.

“He has been very helpful and calls a lot to check up on everything. It means a lot,” notes Gomez.

Doors open Saturday at 6:15 p.m. For more information on the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Fund visit http://kellijoyolaughlinmemorialfund.com.

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