They played the Super Bowl, they’ve won a half dozen Grammy’s, and now The Black Eyed Peas are playing a benefit concert in flood-ravaged Minot, North Dakota.
For some reason, I suspect a lot of our Montana Hi-Line railroad employees’ wives will be demanding a ride-along on the next run to Minot.
The Minot Daily News has this editorial:
The news that the Black Eyed Peas will perform a benefit concert in Minot was most welcome, indeed. By now most folks around here know that the group’s lead singer, Fergie, is married to Minot native and actor Josh Duhamel. The group and Duhamel are to be commended for bringing national awareness to Minot’s situation, not to mention bringing one of the more popular touring groups in the country to Minot to raise money for flood victims. We sincerely thank them for their efforts.
Sure, tickets are $100, but if you consider the cost as a donation to flood victims, then you’re really getting to see the Black Eyed Peas in concert for free. The event will also be an economic shot in the arm for some Minot businesses, at a time when they could use the boost.
I first heard the news through The Sidney Herald, who added this:
“I spent the first 22 years of my life in Minot and still have family living there, including two sisters who have been displaced by floodwaters,” Duhamel said. “Minot will always be home to me, and it breaks my heart to see the devastation the city and its residents are going through. People from Minot are strong and come together in a time of need, and I know they’ll get through this. But with everyone’s help, we can make it easier for them to restore their lives and the surrounding Minot area. I can’t express how grateful I am to the Black Eyed Peas for their incredible support.”
On June 26, a new flood record was set in Minot at 1,561.72 feet above sea level, three feet above the previous record set back in 1881. Approximately 12,000 people are displaced from their homes. It’s estimated 20 percent of Minot has sustained damage from the flood. Over 4,100 homes have been affected by the flood; 2,376 of those homes have extensive damage from 6-10 feet of water and 805 of the 4,100 homes are damaged beyond repair.
Mix 99-FM in Minot has details on how you can help contribute:
MinotArea Community Foundation Minot Recovery Fund
For more information about the Minot Area Community Foundation or to donate online visit:
http://www.centerforcommunitygiving.com/.
People can also mail donations to
Minot Area Community Foundation
Wells Fargo Center
15 2nd Avenue SW, Suite 102
Minot, ND 58701