Friday, January 5, 2007

Concert to help family in fatal car wreck

KATE MCNEIL - Daily Herald
Utah's performing arts community is gathering to benefit some performers of their own.

"CeranAid," a concert organized by Lightstone studios, will benefit the Ceran family, who lost their mother, brother and sister in a tragic Christmas Eve accident when their car was broadsided by an alleged drunk driver.

Gary Ceran, a father who has graced many stages, is now taking on a new role in life, one similar to Job in the Old Testament. The widower has now laid to rest seven children -- Julianna, 7 and Ian, 15, who were both killed in the accident; a pair of stillborn twins; and an additional three toddlers who died of a genetic defect.

Since the tragedy, communities have rallied together to raise funds for the family. West Valley's Hale Center Theatre, where Gary and his two children performed "A Christmas Carol" the night of the crash, has raised more than $30,000 from three sold-out benefit performances of "See How They Run." In addition, all actors, ushers and theatre staff donated their earnings for each performance.

Funeral and medical costs will also be alleviated by the funds raised at the CeranAid concert. Concert tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to the Ceran family to help cover funeral and medical costs.

The man accused of killing the family, Carlos Rodolfo Prieto, 24, was in court for the first time on Tuesday. His next scheduled appearance is set for 9 a.m. on Monday.

He faces seven charges: three counts of automobile homicide, third-degree felonies; two counts of driving under the influence, third-degree felonies; one count of driving under the influence, a class-A misdemeanor; and one count of never obtaining a driver's license, a class-C misdemeanor.

If You Go

What: "CeranAid" concert to benefit the Ceran family

Where: Thanksgiving Point Show Barn

When: Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Who: Peter Breinholt, Jericho Road, and many more local artists

Tickets: $15, all proceeds go to family

Info: www.ceranfamilyfund.com or (801) 373-2880

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.

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4 Comments:

Blogger Granny said...

I wish I lived closer to them or had a little money so I could help.

That poor family.

January 6, 2007 at 11:31 AM  
Blogger Catch said...

How wonderful that the community is rallying together for them. It was such a tragic accident that it touched everyones heart. Most people pull together at times like this in any community..its very heartwarming.

January 8, 2007 at 12:24 AM  
Blogger Carrie said...

It is nice to see people be so thoughtful. Now I know there are still good people in the world.

January 8, 2007 at 4:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I live 2500 miles away from the Cerans now. You can't imagine what good people they were through and through. In all the years I knew Cheryl, I don't believe I heard her say a bad thing about anyone or raise her voice, even at her kids or Gary. Pray for them all, please.

January 9, 2007 at 8:25 PM  

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