Local Doctors’ Concert Raises Money for Recovery Opportunities

A night of folk music and original songs raised $1,512 to support local recovery efforts and help complete a workshop for residents of Bridges of Hope Men’s Recovery Residence. The annual Doctors’ Concert was held Sept. 1 at the Rotary Pavilion in Yep Kanum Park, bringing together local physicians, musicians and community members for an evening that has become a longstanding fundraiser for local health and recovery initiatives. Performers this year included Dr. Leslie Waters, Dr. Pat Shannon, Dr. Ramon Canto, Dr. Barry Bacon, and Shelley Bacon.

Guest artists included Chet O’Keefe and the local brother and sister duo Chase Champagne and Chloe Cunningham. Dr. Barry Bacon, one of the concert organizers, said the concert started around 2010 as a fundraiser connected to the Tri County Community Health Fund, or TCCHF, which was established to help people who could not afford medical care. “Over the past several years we have raised money for Hope Street Project and our recovery work, Bridges of Hope Men’s Recovery House, and Patrick’s Place Women’s Recovery House,” said Bacon.

Over the years, the concerts have raised money to help complete a tiny home for a family, provide dental care, and assist people without health insurance in obtaining discounted medical care, Bacon said. This year’s proceeds will support finishing and furnishing a small workshop on the grounds of Bridges of Hope. The fundraiser also aims to support people who lack the financial resources to live in a clean and sober environment while they work toward rebuilding their lives.

For Bacon and the other organizers, that recovery work is about more than simply providing a place to live. The concert’s history reflects that broader mission. In its earlier years, Bacon said TCCHF primarily helped people meet direct medical and dental needs. As the organization’s focus expanded, organizers recognized the connection between housing, recovery, and overall health. Approximately 70 people attended the event this year, according to organizers. Although the fundraiser’s proceeds are important, organizers say the event serves another purpose: bringing people together and raising awareness about the work being done locally.