Sock Out Cancer® Benefit Concert Rocked!

(Binghamton, NY • April 17, 2019)

This year’s Sock Out Cancer concert not only rocked The Forum Theatre in Binghamton, but also rocked right on past the event’s fundraising goal for the third consecutive year. The net proceeds from the April 12 event came in at $110,000, topping the target by 10 percent and raising $55,000 each for the Lourdes Hospital Foundation and the UHS Foundation. Each foundation will allocate the funds to their cancer patients who need help paying for non-medical needs such as food, housing and transportation, thereby helping relieve some of the financial burdens these patients are experiencing and allowing them to better focus on fighting cancer.

The concert was a musical celebration of the ’80s and featured songs from two of that era’s greatest bands—Santana and Journey—performed by none other than Alex Ligertwood, former lead singer for Santana, and Kevin Chalfant, who has performed on stage as lead vocalist with Journey. Backing Ligertwood and Chalfant was the world-traveled eight-piece Philip Myers Band, who also performed classic songs from Van Halen, Toto, Led Zeppelin, Joan Jett, Styx, Survivor, Boston, and U2.

Security Mutual Life Chairman, President & CEO Bruce W. Boyea had the honor of opening the event and announcing the outstanding fundraising results. He saluted each of the hospital foundations for the work they do every day helping their patients, and warmly thanked co-presenting sponsorVisions Federal Credit Union, as well as the audience and the event’s many other sponsors and supporters. “None of this could happen without your support,” he said.

Boyea paid special tribute to the many cancer patients and survivors in attendance: “You really are what Sock Out Cancer is all about,” he said. “You inspire us by being here this evening. It’s incredible, and we have your back.” Band leader Philip Myers and rock vocalist Kevin Chalfant each shared their own personal stories of why they were so proud to be part of this year’s event. Myers lost both his parents to cancer, and Chalfant lost his sister, who fought a 25-year battle with the disease.

The performers—all sporting Sock Out Cancer’s signature multi-colored socks—electrified The Forum, bringing the likewise be-socked audience to its feet to dance in place as well as in the aisles. Midway through the concert, Chalfant and vocalist/violinist Natalie Murphy temporarily left the stage to join the audience and conga through the aisles, further adding to the evening’s excitement. And songs like Santana’s “Hold On” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” took on a new meaning of encouragement and support, making Friday’s event not only a concert, but a coming together for all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. In the words of concert goer and breast cancer survivor Sherry Campon: “I hope we can beat cancer altogether. Let’s sock it out!”