by Kacie Krominga –
MASON CITY – Somebody who knows somebody… who did this thing… and thought it was a good idea.
That pretty much sums up how The Decker House Bed and Breakfast came to hold a fundraiser for the Crisis Intervention Service in Mason City Tuesday evening.
The Decker House, owned by Tom Ballmer and his wife Sally Pressly were contacted by Iowa-native band, Andy Juhl and the Blue Stem Players about putting on a benefit show for charity.
Josh Weitzel, a member of the band whose uncle recently played with his band, The Hats, at the Decker House, suggested the location for the benefit. His uncle, Paul Weitzel knew the owners and hoped they would be able to find a good charity for the event.
With having friends who worked for the Crisis Intervention, the event was ready to take place.
Andy Juhl, lead singer of the band, had the idea for doing a week-long tour playing solely to raise money for different charities. With recently writing songs about social consciousness, he said his idea for the tour came from Gandhi’s famous quote, “We must be the change we want to see in the world.”
“I know I’m not going to change the world, but at least I’m trying,” Juhl said.
The tour began in Eau Claire, Wis. and will end in Indianola, Iowa. Along the way, Juhl said he wishes to spread peace and the thought of equality and hopes that people can get excited about wanting to help others.
Sally Pressly, one the owners, said the House is a great place to have a band play and was excited to have them helping a charity.
“Everybody wins here,” she said. “People get to see the Decker House, they get to enjoy some drinks, the band gets exposure and the Crisis Interventions raises money.”
The Crisis Intervention Service’s executive director, Mary Ingham was really glad the band wanted to raise money because she said they’re always looking for more ways to increase donations and also send a message out.
“We have a really supportive community so, it was great that we were given this opportunity,” Ingham said.
A suggested donation for the event was 10 dollars but there was also a cash bar and food was also served while the band played for free. The band, The Hats, as mentioned earlier also played earlier in the night.
All proceeds went to the Crisis Intervention Service of Mason City.
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