PARKERSBURG - The sixth Outcry for Rock fundraiser was a success on Saturday in City Park, an organizer said.
"There were more people here early than I've ever seen in the past years," said organizer Rich Rule. "Not only that, but in the past it has been really hot and I'm sure that kept people away, but today is perfect."
Rule said that the event seems to have gained more support from the community, based on the new Facebook page.
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Photo by?Jolene Craig
Appalachian Criminal performs in the Parkersburg City Park band shell on Saturday for the sixth Outcry for Rock fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
"A month ago we had 18 fans and today we have more than 170, which tells me people are finding us and supporting what we do," he said.
This was the sixth year for the Outcry for Rock concert, but the first time the event has raised funds for the Multiple Sclerosis society.
"We always used to work with the American Cancer Society, but decided to switch it up this year," he said.
Rule said that not only does the yearly concert, which ran from 1-10 p.m. Saturday, help raise awareness for MS, but it also helps raise funds.
"All of the money raised through concessions and shirt sales goes to MS," he said.
Along with shirt sales, concessions and a 50/50 raffle, the event also raffled off an Outcry for Rock custom designed guitar built by Radical Kustoms Guitars.
"We try to set it up so that everything we can donate, we do," said co-organizer Craig Roberts.
"We are all about helping as much as we can."
A different band took the stage every hour beginning at 1 p.m., including local groups Appalachian Criminal, Relentless and Reverant Skye.
"There is a lot of talent in these bands," Rule said. "They are all really good."
Rule said his hopes were to raise $5,000 through this year's event.
"In the past we have raised as much as $3,000 and I think we can do more than that this year," he said.
The switch from cancer to MS fundraising was partly because of Roberts, Rule said.
"I have relatives with MS and took it upon myself to try and make a difference and Outcry for Rock is something I can do," Roberts said.
According to the National MS Society, MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system that is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or as severe as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. New treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.
The amount raised during Saturday's event is unknown.
