Manchester Music Hall will soon be hosting a night of music all for a good cause.
Elevate the Stage, a concert experience raising funds for Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy, is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 28.
Advancing Childhood Cancer Research
Elevate is a non-profit that works to help fund less toxic and more effective treatments for pediatric cancer.
Founded by Robyn Spoon, the organization’s vision is to seek improvements to diagnosis, treatments, survivorship and, in some cases, end of a child’s life.
Spoon’s son, Justin Spoon, was a senior at Asbury University when he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma; he passed away in 2023.
The family’s experience navigating Justin’s diagnosis is what led to the creation of Elevate.
“Lexington is a special place for our family because it is where we feel closest to our late son, Justin, Class of ‘21 alum of Asbury University. Our hope for Elevate the Stage is to do something Justin would have loved, bringing people together to enjoy a great evening of community, music and great food all while making the future more hopeful for those diagnosed with childhood cancer,” says Robyn Spoon, CEO and founder, Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy.
Robyn Spoon is working alongside Lexington native Mackenzie Wilmoth to bring Elevate the Stage to the community.
During the summer of 2021, Wilmoth was diagnosed with a form of sarcoma called Desmoid Fibromatosis, which is a form of cancer.
After a successful surgery, she spent nearly a month in the hospital recovering.
It was during the hospital stay that Wilmoth met Robyn Spoon.
Wilmoth, who is now in remission, will use her musical talents to benefit pediatric cancer research by performing her original pop-rock music.
“I’m excited to be able to support such a great cause while doing what I love. Supporting and helping pediatric cancer patients is something very near and dear to my heart, and I’m honored that I’m able to bring awareness to the need for more research and better treatments,” says Wilmoth, who is a graduate of Lexington Christian Academy. While at LCA, she was involved in chamber choir, musicals, theater, and was a 2020 Kentucky All-State Choir member.
Music And Food
Other performers at Elevate the Stage include indie musician Piper Madison, acoustic duo Caged Songbirds and Van-Halen-tribute band Unchained.
Doors open for Elevate the Stage at 6:00pm on September 28, with the performances scheduled from 7pm-11pm.
All proceeds from Elevate the Stage benefit Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy.
Food trucks from Critchfield Family Market and Olmeda’s Mexican Grill will be on-site and are donating 15% of sales to Elevate.
Many items and experiences will be auctioned throughout the evening by emcees Leigh and Tamara, the Ky Taste Buds from Live from Chevy Chase on Fox 56.
“From diagnosis, through treatment, on to survivorship, and in some cases, the end of a child’s life. We want to let kids be kids, and make it so they don’t have to worry about beating their own cancer or stressing about the hassles of adult life,” said Spoon. “Through collaboration, education, and empowerment, we are leading the way to make all stakeholders more effective for the sake of those diagnosed with childhood cancer.”
Tickets start at $15 and may be purchased online via ticketweb.com.
For more information about Elevate the Stage or to sponsor the event, please reach out to management@mackenziewilmoth.com or visit the event page on Facebook.
