People coming together in Dayton for a day of fun, all to help victims of the Memorial Day tornado outbreak.
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Tornado victims and people touched by the devastation left by the tornadoes filled RiverScape MetroPark Saturday in Dayton.
Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs was the emcee for part of the afternoon, and introduced several of the bands that took the stage for the Dayton Strong Benefit Concert.
“We wanted to show our support and listen to some local bands,” Elizabeth Aroca of Dayton said.
She was home the night of the storms, “in the bathroom taking cover. We were watching the news and keeping on top of it.”
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While Aroca’s home was spared, many others weren’t so lucky.
“A lot of my family had to move out of their apartment complexes in Trotwood,” Phillip Nappere of Dayton said. “Even though it’s been a lot of destruction and a lot of chaos, sometimes it takes a tragedy to make things come together.”
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On Saturday, tornado survivors and those wanted to help came together to raise money for the Greater Dayton Disaster Relief Fund, which accepted donations at the concert and online. Proceeds will go to various nonprofit organizations that will assist victims.
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Aside from local acts taking the stage, there was food, even free massages. RTA offered free bus rides to the concert, and the city of Dayton offered free parking. A Saturday in the sun, to help storm victims moving forward.
“The very least I can do is to make sure that people have their basic necessities,” Aroca said.