iluvmygirlz's Blog

DE SOTO: Fund-raiser to benefit widow and children
Saturday event to include live music, games

By Kevin Carbery
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 1:51 PM CDT

A day of entertainment is set for Saturday at the De Soto Knights of Columbus hall to assist the family of a man killed in an industrial accident in May.

Daniel Gillam died May 14 from the effects of a chemical spill that occurred four days earlier at his work in Fenton. The 32-year-old left behind a wife, Brandi, and four children--Cassandra, Tyler, Colten and Austen--between the ages of 2 and 12.

"They're holding up, I guess, as well as they can," Dennis Gillam, Daniel's uncle, said. "Leaving behind such a young family, it's been tough on his wife and kids and parents.

"Red tape from workmen's comp has been a struggle. It's been a nightmare. They're still dragging their feet."

So, to assist the widow and her children, Dennis Gillam has enlisted the members of his band to perform as part of the benefit festivities, called Family Fun Day and Dance to benefit Gillam Family Trust Fund. He is a founding member of GTO, a popular regional group that sometimes performs as Alter Ego. "This is a chance for this community of ours to step up to the plate and do something for this family," Dennis Gillam said. "If you can't make it, do what you can. If you have something you can donate to the silent auction or can donate to the trust fund, we'd appreciate it."

Events of the day start at 11 a.m. There will be a barbecue, horseshoe and washers tournaments, children's games and other featured activities during the day.

"We'll have people coming in dressed as superheroes," Dennis Gillam said. "Kids can have their pictures taken with them."

A silent auction offering such items as St. Louis Cardinal and St. Louis Ram memorabilia will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A dance featuring the GTO/Alter Ego musicians is scheduled for 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cost is $15 per ticket.

"A lot of people know us," Dennis Gillam said of his group.

Daniel Gillam had no life insurance and his wife lost her job a month before he died.

"We still have a funeral to pay for, a headstone to pay for," Dennis Gillam said. "The family needs to be able to have some of the pressure taken off them."

Donations may be made to: Gillam Family Trust, c/o National City Bank, 224 South Main Street, De Soto, Mo. 63020.

For more information, contact Dennis Gillam at 636-337-4861 or by e-mailing him at dgillam@gtoband.com.

The De Soto Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 13225 Route E.