On Saturday at 7 p.m., the Student Union ballroom came alive with music, in honor of local boy, Joshua Bolt, a 13-year-old boy who has a severe disability, known as cerebral palsy. The fraternity, Phi Mu Delta, along with co-ed fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, set up an acoustic benefit concert to help raise money for Bolt’s treatment.
Bolt was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was just nine months old. Since then his family has been doing all they are able to in order to help him in any way that they can. He currently goes to The Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential for his treatment, which costs the family around $10,000 a year.
During the concert the crowd was entertained with music and several raffle prizes. Bolt was all smiles as he assisted in picking out the winning tickets, which included gift certificates to Buffalo Wild Wings, Sweet Frog, Sunchase Cinemas, Macado’s and many other locations around Farmville.
The money from the raffle tickets went towards funding Bolt’s treatment. Longwood students Keith Baldwin, Andy Jordan, Justin Golden, Roxanne Cook and Carter Chassey, showcased their musical talents, along with the band, She’s A Legend. 20 percent of the bands merchandise that was sold after the show also went towards funding Bolt`s treatment. Bolt himself was given a CD and a T-shirt as a gift from the band.
By the end of the event, $838 was raised in contribution towards Bolt’s treatment. Joshua’s parent’s, Kyle and Jennifer Bolt, were not only happy for the monetary support, but for the immense response they received. “This event has helped us to get more volunteers,” said, Jennifer Bolt, “From the social media and the people here, the word is getting out about Joshua.”
The Bolts said that the Longwood community has embraced them with open arms. They’ve been a part of the Volunteer Fair since 2005, where they have been able get students to help out with Joshua. “I can’t even put it into words, I’m just so grateful.” expressed Jennifer Bolt.
Phi Mu Delta brothers Chad MacDonald and Benjamin Thoreson, who were in charge of the event, were glad to see the turnout. When asked about why they decided to put on this event, Thoreson said, “I’ve always wanted to help Joshua, because he goes to IAHP which cost[s] around $10,000, so I along with the brothers, thought about putting on a concert to help pay for Joshua’s treatment.”
When asked what putting on this event meant to him, MacDonald stated, “A hell of a lot. I mean, we just raised $838 for Joshua. I much prefer to give back to the local community where I can see its effect and watch [its] growth. And what this means for Phi Mu Delta, it’s what we stand for.”
Jake King, a Longwood alumni and Phi Mu Delta brother closed out the event by sharing his emotional connection with Bolt. Telling him, “You have taught me more than [all] my time here at Longwood.”
If you wish to get involved in help the Bolts or want to learn more about Joshua, please visit the Facebook page: www.facebook. com/groups/JoshuaNeedsYou/ or the website: www.caringbridge.
