A night of song, mixed with a sense of family and community camaraderie, filled the air.

Originally, a showcase was planned, featuring bands Copper West and Nova Celeste, which include relatives of Kirkpatrick.

However, after news of the school’s athletic program’s financial woes reached Kirkpatrick’s mother and former C-L student, Mary Eustice, things began to take a different course.

Inspired to help in any way possible, Eustice telephoned C-L Booster President, Sheila Miller, and learned of the ongoing fundraising efforts within the school’s community.

Wanting to become involved, and being a former resident with numerous C-L alum family members, the idea of a benefit concert was planned.

“When I heard the (monetary) number needed, I thought, maybe we can help with something like this,” said Eustice.

“My first reaction was: I don’t want the Lions to go away!” she exclaimed.

“The experience is just too important. In these economic times, everybody is really stressed, and they’re just trying to feed their families -- so when you go to them and say: ‘but you have to save your school,’ it’s almost overwhelming.  And so, because of that, I intend to keep my hand in this, helping any way I can, up until the bitter end,” continued Eustice.

And help she did.

Fans lined the hallway during an hour-long, meet-and-greet session, held in the school’s lobby. The opportunity to purchase a photo with the singer, together with the school’s mascot, was available for $10.

All proceeds benefited the athletic fund.  Between signing autographs, chatting with fans, and smiling for the camera, Kirkpatrick echoed his mother’s sentiments and explained: “We really want to raise the money needed for this cause. This is a school my mom went to, my grandma went to -- I even attended kindergarten here, so it’s a really big deal to us.”

Busy with upcoming projects such as the imminent release of his new band, Nigel’s 11, as well as voiceover work for the character “Chip Skylark” in Nickelodeon’s animated series The Fairly OddParents, Kirkpatrick was at ease and expressed genuine concern for his hometown cause.

Kirkpatrick grinned and said: “I don’t know what to expect tonight, but it’s gonna be fun.”

As the seats began to fill at the admission price of $10, there was a promise of success.

Miller beamed as she watched the crowd file in.

“Every little bit (raised) counts, and it adds up. We’re here to keep the kids in the ‘Blue and Gold’ — and we’re here to keep C-L kids participating in C-L sports — and give them all the opportunity to play; not just a few percent,” said Miller.

It was with that goal in mind that a community, with members both past and present, united together for an enjoyable evening.

Only now, they are one step closer to reaching their financial goal: save the C-L school district’s athletic program.

The total amount raised by the event was not yet available when this edition of the Clarion News went to press.