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Date: 4/7/2022
AGAWAM — The Dan Kane Singers will host a benefit concert this Sunday to benefit the Agawam family whose teenage daughter died in a house fire in early March.
The Malachowski family suffered the tragic loss of their only daughter, Karen, 19, in the March 9 fire on Squire Lane. All proceeds from the concert will benefit Karen’s parents, Darrell and Theresa Malachowski. The concert is at 2 p.m. on April 10 in the Agawam High School (AHS) auditorium at 760 Cooper St.
Agawam resident Sue Drumm has been coordinating the event. She decided there needed to be a fundraiser just days after the fire when she learned that her two daughters had a connection to Karen Malachowski.
“When Karen’s name was released to the public, both my daughters mentioned that they knew her. My daughters performed in the AHS Drama Club’s production of ‘Peter Pan’ last year. They remembered that Karen was a member of the stage crew that worked on the play’s production,” said Drumm.
She called it “heartbreaking” to think about what Karen’s parents are going through after her death. “Agawam is such a tight-knit community — I knew we had to do something for them to show our support. No parent should ever have to suffer such a tragic event,” added Drumm.
She said no amount of money — either through the GoFundMe page set up for the family or raised through the concert — can bring the Malachowski’s daughter back. But she hopes that funds raised from the concert can ease some of their financial burden and help replace items lost in the fire.
The goal, explained Drumm, is to raise enough money to allow the family the time they need to grieve their loss, without having to worry about finances.
“Karen had a love of theater, drama and music, so it was fitting to plan a concert to celebrate one of her passions. We’re also encouraging people who attend the performance to wear something purple — Karen’s favorite color.”
Drumm’s youngest daughter is a member of the AHS Chorus and sings with the Dan Kane Singers. Drumm reached out to Kane about helping with a concert.
“When I mentioned to Dan that I felt we needed to do something, he was immediately on board. In a matter of hours, I organized a team of volunteers and we began planning the event.”
Drumm said her committee of all Agawam parent volunteers have set a goal of raising between $5,000 and $7,000 through the sale of 500 tickets at $10 each, as well from raffles, a bake sale and donations.
“I’m very proud of our parents who didn’t hesitate when they were asked to help,” she said.
According to Drumm, Kane has “a very generous group” of performers.
“When he makes the ask, they answer,” she added.
Drumm said Kane will be bringing approximately 20 performers, including Freddie Marion, who will perform and act as master of ceremonies.
“Dan is a very well-known and respected artist with a large following,” Drumm said. “He also believes that music is good for the soul.”
The outpouring of support from the community has been “amazing,” added Drumm. Several businesses have paid for business card-size ads in the program to help offset some of the costs associated with the event, such as printing tickets and setting up professional audio.
Local businesses have also stepped up to help sell tickets and donate raffle prizes. Agawam businesses selling tickets include Nutrition First, Salon Tres Chic, 141 Main Street Deli, Joey’s Deli, Ayre Real Estate, Java Stop, Cooper’s Gifts and Hair & Co.
A limited number of tickers will be available at the door. At the concert, members of the AHS National Honor Society will be volunteering to assist at the event and hosting a bake sale.
In addition to the Dan Kane Singers, the AHS Chorus will participate in the performance with a group number to show their support. There may also be a couple of solo performances featuring AHS students.
Drumm also praised Mayor William Sapelli, AHS Principal Jim Blain, AHS music teacher Cameron Forman, and the high school custodial staff for helping her committee navigate the details of putting on the concert.