Lake Wylie Children’s Charity benefit concert ‘a ball’

Hurricane Joaquin was no match for Lake Wylie Children’s Charity. Despite high winds Sunday, the show went on.

Annually, the charity selects a child or two battling a life-threatening illness. This year, there are two recipients: Kelsey Funderburk, 14, of Rock Hill and Jaxon Clark, 5, of Lake Wylie.

The event, usually held on the lawn at T-Bones on the Lake, was moved inside. The venue change and weather didn’t deter support.

“It’s overwhelming to see all the people who came out,” said Angel Clark, Jaxon’s mom.

The event included live music in the Parrot Bar, children’s activities in the front bar, a silent auction and bake sale upstairs, and a water bubble roller outside on the water.

“We’re having a ball,” said Darrell Funderburk, Kelsey’s father.

Kelsey was enjoying the event and grateful for the volunteers and event hosted by T-bones, managed by Haven Presley, also a charity board member.

“I’m having fun meeting new people,” she said. “I want to thank Haven and the rest of Lake Wylie Children’s Charity group.”

Crystal Moore and son Luke, 6, were 2012 beneficiaries. Luke battled acute lymphocytic leukemia. His mom said he is now cancer-free.

“If it wasn’t for what they did for us, I wouldn’t have been able to take care of Luke without struggling,” said Moore, who now volunteers every year with the group. “It changed my life.”

This story was originally published October 4, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Lake Wylie Children’s Charity benefit concert ‘a ball’."