TONIGHT: Benefit Concert Planned for Victims of Hemet High School Crosswalk Crash

A benefit concert tonight will aid a group of students who were injured last month in a crash at Hemet High School, when a fellow student slammed into a group of 30 others.

The concert is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Hemet High Stadium, with a minimum of $5 donation for admission.  Hemet High students only have to pay $2.  

The money raised will go into a new scholarship fund for the eight students who were injured-- three of them critically-- and are now recovering.  One of the students, 15-year-old Helen Richardson, was in a coma, but has since pulled through that ordeal.

18-year-old Daniel Carrillo, a Junior, , when he plowed into a group of 30 students walking in a crosswalk in front of the school, according to CHP Officer Darren Meyer.

Carrillo--  who had only been licensed to drive for 15 days when the crash happened-- .

"Yesenia, Vivian, and Catherine now rest at home, attend physical therapy, and receive ongoing treatment," an event announcement on the high school's website states.  "Helen was released [from the hospital] on [June 14] to a physical rehab center where she continues her recovery."

Event information for the fundraiser states: 

Musicians, performers, parents, Hemet High staff, and businesses have joined efforts to freely donate time, treasure and talent for this “Brighter Future” Concert, a colorful variety of music and performance.

“This year has been a very difficult year for all of us, and it’s uplifting to see so many people generously give to these families,” stated Hemet High Principal, Dr. Emily Shaw.

Students injured by the accident, and their families, will be given a special front-row section to enjoy the concert.

“For some of us who were there when the kids were hit, planning this concert is a healing act,” said Karen Jicha, a parent-concert organizer who tended to the students at the scene.

Tickets will be sold at the gate for a $5.00 minimum donation. The student body, who courageously navigated through this year’s events, are invited to wear school colors and team jerseys for a discount ticket price of $2.00 with student identification.

Ryan Berkowsky, Hemet High teacher and music organizer for the concert said, “With all the great community support, we want folks who want to give to be able to afford it and heal with the rest of us.”

Continued prayers, donations, scholarship, community support and the joy of music will close this school year on a positive “note,” and provide the recovering students with a little more hope, healing, and a brighter future.

Learn more about the event at the Facebook event page here.