Musicians Rally to Raise Funds for Smithereens Band Member and Family

METUCHEN, N.J. - Jan. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- In response to a plea from Smithereens co-founder and lead guitarist Jim Babjak’s plea via Go Fund Me, friend, fellow musician and Metuchen resident Danny Adlerman has organized a fundraiser to alleviate the financial burden they are bearing due Jim’s wife Betty’s battle with pancreatic cancer.  Adlerman will be commandeering the regular monthly “Open Mic” night he hosts and turning it into a night of music, spoken word, and giving. The event will take place January 29, 2016 at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen NJ.

In addition to the usual talented open mic regulars, invitations have been extended well beyond the local community to ensure an exceptional and eclectic mix of performances. Doors open at 6:00 and while admission is free there will be a suggested donation of $5 to enter and other opportunities to give through the sale of refreshments and a silent auction, featuring a Fender Stratocaster guitar, autographed by Babjak.  Performances will continue until the last person on the signup sheet has had their chance.

“Through our musical collaboration I have not only become close friends with Jim and Betty, I have defined my musical career. Without Jim’s friendship, professional contributions, and influence, Danny and Kim’s catalog would look vastly different today. The music might not even exist,” said Adlerman, referencing his success with his wife Kim as a children’s author and musician.  This is not the first time the open mic community has rallied to help someone in need. “The patrons and musicians who frequent this event are very compassionate. I know they will perform and donate generously and I’m grateful they will be turning out for one of my closest friends. We would do it for any one of them in a heartbeat.”

After 40 Years Couple Fights for the Right to Grow Old Together

The Babjaks’ woes began in September of 2014, when Betty was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After 40 years together, Jim, who has spent almost his entire life in central Jersey, currently resides in Manalapan with his family, had to take a leave from work and stop playing with the band in November to be at his wife’s side. She has endured surgery only to learn the disease has spread and is now undergoing chemotherapy. “Every day I wake up and hope this is a bad dream. It is instead the new normal for us and our three sons.” says Jim. “We are learning the true meaning of one day at a time. Betty is my soul mate. We can’t take the idea of growing old together for granted now. We have to fight this disease and win it. Nothing is more important than giving Betty my time and being with her in every way throughout this ordeal.”  That time comes at high cost. Their savings are depleted, medical bills are mounting and even their regular expenses are now difficult to meet.

It was only at the urging of fans and friends that the Babjaks finally allowed friend Victor Erlanger set up a Go Fund Me (https://www.gofundme.com/45hb4bjw) site to raise money. To date they have raised about $75,000 but the pace of donations has slowed since the launch.  As they watched the donations ebb, folks like Danny and Kim Adlerman knew they had to find a way to keep the donations flowing.

“It may seem rudimentary to put on a show and pass a hat, but every dollar really does count. The beauty is in the simplicity,” observes Kim. “Come hear the music, toss in what you can and send your well wishes.  This is one of those times that just showing up even for a short while to support them and the performers gathered on their behalf will mean as much, if not more, to Jim and Betty as your money.” For their part, the Babjaks vow to “pay it forward” as soon as they are in a position to do so. “Music will allow us to do for others as they are now doing for us, and we look forward to being on the giving side soon.”

Please visit the the public  Facebook event page for more details on this fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/events/699645230137884/