"Grief does not change you ... It reveals you." - John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
If the truth in this statement is as real as it feels, then Jim Redman and family always had it in them to do better in this world. To take something as meaningful to them as music was to Brian Redman and pay it forward so that others could experience the same joy.
A stalwart in the Tacoma community - as a musician, bartender and all-around good guy, Brian Redman was killed when he crashed his scooter in September 2009.
In the years following his brother's death, Jim Redman and a circle of family and friends have thrown a benefit concert and poker tournament to help raise awareness of Brian's legend and to raise money for a scholarship program for young musicians.
"Tacoma was Brian's home and he loved playing for a local crowd," said Jim. "He played for his community and that's what we want to continue."
Since starting the memorial fund, which is under the umbrella of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, the family has been able to award one kid per year $1,000 each to continue pursuing their passion of music and community service.
But Jim wants more.
"I'd like to give 10 scholarships a year," he said. "We're really trying to get hooked up and plugged in to reaching out to more kids."
At this rate, success is sure fire. Community outpourings continue, bringing in amazing prizes for the raffle and poker games, musicians from all genres and monetary donations. The goal this year is to raise $50,000.
"We're slowly getting bigger and better," said Jim. "The ultimate goal is the money can make itself. We'd love to be our own non-profit."
The event is Sunday, June 30 at Jazzbones. The poker tournament begins at 11 a.m. for a $50 donation. Music starts at 6 p.m. for a $5 donation. Raymond Hayden and The Monsters in the Dark, Champagne Sunday and Mahnhammer are on the bill. Raffle tickets will be on hand in $5 and $20 increments, with incentive for multiple purchases.
There are simply too many awesome prizes to list. First prize for the poker tournament is a party for 70 on the "My Girl" charter yacht. Fourth place in the tournament nabs two tickets to Ted Nugent at the Emerald Queen Casino. Raffle prizes range from Mariners' tickets and golf packages to electric guitars and a custom Brian Redman bobblehead.
To donate online, click donating online - select the Brian Redman Memorial Fund.
Please make checks payable to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation Brian Redman Memorial Fund and mail to The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, 950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1100 Tacoma, WA 98402.
The Brian Redman Memorial Music Scholarship
The Brian Redman Memorial Scholarship's purpose is to assist in promoting and enhancing the development of young musicians in Washington State, and when possible to deserving youth in Pierce County. Brian's passion for music was pure and his relentless efforts to pursue his musical dreams helped shape his community, friends, and colleagues. The creation of this memorial fund is an attempt to memorialize Brian's passion and efforts and recognize those who will continue to assist in the development and enhancement of music in our community. We encourage ANY high school student (Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors) to apply for this scholarship. The money may be used during high school or college.