Concert for a Cause: WeishFest returns for 11th year of giving back

Enjoy a unique lineup of national music acts and uplift young adults and adolescents and their families facing cancer during the 11th annual WeishFest.

Set for Saturday, Nov. 9, WeishFest takes place at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago. Doors open at 3 p.m. to preshow headliner experience passholders, with the fest kicking off at 4 p.m. Performers include O.A.R., Mike Posner, Wilderado and Hans Williams.

Andrew Weishar died in 2012 of colorectal cancer at age 21 with one request — to pay forward the kindness shown to his family during his battle with cancer. From that request, WeishFest was born and since then has granted nearly $3 million in direct financial assistance to more than 500 families throughout Chicagoland and beyond.

“Colorectal cancer struck Andrew Weishar during his freshman year of college,” said Maggie Sommer, Executive Program Director for the Andrew Weishar Foundation. “Over the next three years, Andrew battled valiantly while the community rallied around him.”

Sommer said the cause serves an often overlooked cancer population — adolescents and young adults.

“Weish4Ever's mission is to fill this void and be a vehicle of support for these families,” Sommer said.

Among sponsors that help make this fest possible is the Gerald Auto Group.

“Having Gerald’s support means everything to us,” Sommer said. “The most special thing about their support is that it has been consistent and that speaks volumes to our mission and the difference that we make alongside our sponsors. We truly could not do it without all of our sponsors and the entire Weish4Ever family.”

Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group said Gerald is proud to support such a great cause.

“We always look forward to being part of WeishFest each year — it’s such an enjoyable event,” Lawler said. “It’s rewarding for us to contribute to Andrew Weishar’s legacy of kindness and to make a positive impact on families in the community.”

Tickets are $150 and include an all-inclusive experience offering unlimited drinks throughout the evening and food available for purchase.

“This is a truly special atmosphere with all night music and every dollar benefiting an amazing cause,” Sommer said.

For information on WeishFest, visit www.weishfest.com.

For information on Gerald Auto Group, visit www.geraldauto.com.