LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over 80 bands played at 10 venues across Louisville to raise money for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton victims.
Organizers of the Rhythm Rescue Fund said throughout the 9-hour-long event, they raised over $10,000.
Its been nearly two months since the hurricanes devastated parts of America's southeast. Bodies of the victims are still being recovered in Tennessee and North Carolina as the death toll continues to to climb.
"We're not firefighters, we can't rush down to Georgia or North Carolina and do something," Norm Presley, a guitarist for the Big Cuz Band, said. "This gives us a chance to do what we love and help the community at the same time."
Presley and his band played at Vernon Lanes, which is one of the venues that drew in crowds all day. Attendees were asked to give a monetary donation, and organizers said donations are still being accepted on their website.
"If it's one person, 10 people or 100 people, hopefully we can help as many as possible," Presley said.
Donations are being handled by the Community Foundation of Louisville, a philanthropy that will direct the funds to displaced families in states like North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.
Tiffany Lynn Puckett was on lead vocals at Mercurio's Music & RestoBar in Hikes Point.
"We're not in the heart of it, but anything we can do to help, that's what we're here for," Puckett said.
She said music is a universal language, and one she can use to give back to people who need it.
"It's why I do this," Puckett said. "It's not for the riches or the fame, but it's definitely to give back, do what we can as a community and pull together.
Gary Thompson, owner of Stevie Ray's Blues Bar, said he has not witnessed a major, collaborative event like this before.
Thompson added that he hopes to pass it forward.
"We hope that if we're ever in that situation, somebody gives back in the same way," Thompson said. "Doesn't the country need a little more of this?"
He said always opened their door for benefit shows.
"Even if we made nothing, it's still the right thing to do," Thompson said. "How do you measure success as a business owner? It's not always about the dollar. If you have memories and you had a good time, that's really what I'm all about."
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