Each year is a mission to make sure area children have a safe and joyous Christmas for Dan Deel.
Coming off the rave reviews of last year’s project, Deel recently announced that Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria in downtown Elizabethton will be the site once again for the second annual Acoustic Toys For Tots concert on Saturday, Dec. 2.
The concert, free of charge to the public, will start right after the annual downtown Christmas parade, tentatively at 7 p.m., and go into the night as musicians and Jiggy Ray’s staff look to raise funds and provide toys to area youth.
Last year’s event, which raised approximately $2,200, was the first installment of a musical series by Deel. The year prior, musicians from across the region joined at the establishment to hold a benefit concert for Deel, who was fighting for his life at Johnson City Medical Center.
“We were able to do a lot for the area last year,” Deel said. “I’m excited about the opportunity for us to have this again. After what they did for me two years ago, this is the least I can do.”
While several musicians will take center stage Saturday night, an extra addition to the event happens to be as smooth as “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Growing the event is important, according to Deel, and the organizer for this year’s concert received an extra boost thanks to a donation made by country musician star Chris Stapleton.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to know Chris and his management over the past few years,” Deel said. “I just contacted Team Stapleton and asked if they could send something small signed by Chris just to help out. Next thing I know, the FedEx delivery man is bringing the signed guitar to my doorstep.”
Attendees can pay $10 the night of the event for a raffle ticket or $25 for five attempts. The guitar will be raffled out at the conclusion of the event with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots.
Working together with John Seehorn and John “Bull” Malone has also been a treat over the past two years, Deel added.
“From our standpoint, it is always nice to do what we can to give back to the community,” Malone said. “We’re honored to be just a small part of this event, we’re just a stage. This is all about the musicians who worked together to make this possible. They’re dedicating their time and abilities for the community to make sure children have a great Christmas this year.”
Seeing support from individuals is nothing out of the ordinary for the downtown staple.
“I can say just from our experience, from the scholarship program to others, that when you ask someone for money, it is tough. But this community, even though it is a small community, it keeps stepping up like we’re a big city. The residents truly care about these projects and it is great to see. It never is about recognition. People just want to help,” Malone said.
Residents can stop by Jiggy Ray’s before Saturday’s event to drop off toys or monetary donations for Toys for Tots. During the concert, a donation booth will be available and a representative from the U.S. Marine Corps will also be on site.
Patrons can expect a packed stage with numerous regional musicians, including Elizabethton native Mick Kyte.
For more information on the event, visit the Jiggy Ray’s Downtown Pizzeria Facebook page online.