CONCERT FOR A CAUSE. Tim Hall Band, Spin Cycle, Blues Oasis and more will perform a fundraiser concert at the Opal Tavern on South Tacoma Way June 5 to benefit Cystic Fibrosis research. (Photo Courtesy of artist)
Dick and Carol Charette, owners of South Tacoma’s Fabulous Opal Lounge, are no strangers to helping a good cause.
The lounge owners host fundraising events from time to time for a variety of charities and efforts, but an event on June 5 hits a little closer to home for the couple.
They will be working to raise money to support research for a cure for cystic fibrosis, a deadly disease that strikes 30,000 Americans each year, including the Charettes’ own great-granddaughter, MacKenzie.
“We didn’t know anything about this disease until she was diagnosed,” Carol said. “It really hits home - it’s just hard. Hopefully research can find a cure for this.”
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Research advances have made it possible for people with cystic fibrosis to live fuller, longer lives, now often spanning into their 30s and 40s.
After researching ways to support research for the disease, Dick and Carol found that the annual “Great Strides” fundraising walks were the most popular way to raise money to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“But we thought it might be a little hard to set up a walk out of a bar,” Carol said. “So we thought we could have a jam and raise money that way - it’s what we do best.”
From 7 p.m. to midnight, Opal’s will raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by hosting a party of sorts, with music from local blues outfits Tim Hall Band, Blues Oasis, Spin Cycle, All Star Jam and Steve Cooley and the Dangerfields. Donations will be accepted and the Charettes will be donating 15 percent of all profits on beverages sold to the foundation.
There will also be food, prizes for guests and no cover at the door.
“For this little bar, we can do pretty good on fundraisers,” Dick said. “Come out and support a good cause, and support Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - because that’s why we’re doing it.”
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefit show goes from 7 p.m. until midnight June 5. All donations and proceeds go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which benefits the research for treatment of the disease and a cure.
Opals Lounge is located at 5226 South Tacoma Way. Call (253) 473-2600 for more information.
