Rockin 4 Rustic Ridge concert fundraiser draws sell-out crowd in Plum

Guitarist John Collins said he didn’t immediately know how to help the families impacted by the Aug. 12 explosion in Plum’s Rustic Ridge neighborhood.

“I’m a Plum grad, I’ve been here all my life and I wanted to do something,” said Collins, a performer with MoJo-The Band, which specializes in 1970s and’80s rock covers. “But like a lot of people, I just wasn’t sure what to do.

“This fundraiser came up, and it was the perfect opportunity to do what we do best. We’re gonna jam.”

Musicians from three local bands performed from noon to 7 p.m. for the sold-out Rockin’ 4 Rustic Ridge fundraiser at the Plum Creek Masonic Hall along Saltsburg Road.

Other bands were the high-energy Acoustic Boombox and’70s hard rock band, Barracuda.

Admission cost $25 and was capped at 400 tickets which included food, beverages, a silent auction and 50-50 raffle.

Proceeds benefit families affected by the explosion.

By the looks of it, organizer Mark Carney couldn’t have fit one more person inside the Masons hall. It was elbow-to-elbow by early afternoon.

“It’s going tremendously,” Carney said. “The people in this community came together for everything, just like they always do.”

A buffet of chicken, pizza, Chinese, wings, lasagna and cookies was donated by various restaurants. The hall, overflow parking, shuttle and beer also were given at no cost.

“As soon as we started making calls, everyone said they were in,” Carney said.

Inside the hall, walls were lined with raffle baskets brimming with gift cards, Steelers tickets, spa items, fire pits, concert tickets, a big screen TV, Penguins tickets and candy, among a variety of other goodies.

Raffle organizer Theresa Martin said people were “unbelievably generous” and that she was eyeing profits she hoped would top $20,000 for the families.

Six people died in the explosion: Kevin Sebunia, 55; Paul Oravitz, 56, and his wife, Heather, 51; Mike Thomas, 57; and Casey Clontz, 38, and his son, Keegan, 12. They were in the home at 141 Rustic Ridge Drive when it exploded, authorities say.

Three homes were destroyed by the blast; 10 homes have been identified as possibly being structurally compromised. An investigation is ongoing.

Martin said the fundraiser was “a day of music and community support.”

“Everybody is here to help,” she said.

Friends Beth Amato and Michelle Connolly wedged themselves through the crowd, selling raffle tickets and dancing with guests. Kim Marks took time to peruse the basket options and said she was waiting for the music to start. Both her brother-in-law and future son-in-law were set to perform.

“I think this was a good way for everyone to feel like they can take part in helping,” she said.

Barracuda bassist Steve Zummo didn’t hesitate to sign his band on for a set. Their playlist includes Led Zepplin and Heart, along with other’70s hard rock covers.

“I got a phone call, and it was like, ‘Of course we want to be involved,’” he said. “Next thing you know, it turned into all this.”

Before the bands took the stage, Carney asked for a moment of silence.

“Our community was shaken up and lives were lost,” he said. “Today we come together to give them the support they so deserve.”