By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Four years and one day later, Decatur and area residents came together once again to celebrate the memory of Connor Brite and raise funds to continue the free music lessons that are his legacy.
Rain held off as people gathered on the Madison St. Plaza Saturday night for the third annual Connor Brite Wildflowers celebration.
It was on June 7, 2020, that Connor and two pals, Jordan Fuelling, and Trevor Ortiz, were the victims of a traffic crash caused by a drunk driver.
Amid their grief, parents Steph and Jeff Brite, their daughter Allie, and friends and family came up with the idea of continuing Connor’s love of music by offering free music instruction to students in Adams County.
Four years later, the program has exploded, from a few students in the initial sessions to a total of 19 in the current fourth session. And a few students are on a waiting list!
So funds raised through sponsors, the public and the Saturday night celebration have become vital.
Lots of people came together Saturday to enjoy fellowship and continue to boost the music program.
“Connor would have love this day, absolutely loved,” an emotional Steph Brite told a hushed crowed during a break in the music.
She also evoked laughter when she explained that the third year’s Wildflowers T-shirt featured the colors of blue and gold to express Connor’s love of Notre Dame. So all the Purdue and IU fans should just ignore the colors, she said.
School of Rock, Penny Drip and Decades provided music during the six-hour celebration.
Also performing were two Wildflowers music students, Madison Young (guitar) and Savannah Zimmerman (vocals).
The 50/50 raffle totaled $1,251, with Sara LaBouie winning half of it when her name was pulled in a drawing!
