Those Cats raise over $5000 for Nick Ward

The student hit by a drunk driver, Nick Ward, and his family will receive $5,000 from the two benefit performances Those Cats put on at Gnat’s Landing and Loco’s Pub and Grill.

Over $1,000 was raised and donated during Those Cats performance on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Gnat’s Landing and a little over $4,000 was raised at Loco’s on Monday, Feb. 18, Joe Lanier, owner of Loco’s said.

Many Loco’s employees donated their tips and salaries from the event to Ward’s family, who also attended.

“So many people have helped put this together. Those Cats played a big part in getting all of the musicians to play, and all the musicians have donated their time and abilities. Chris Mitchell was kind enough to let us raffle one of his guitars. It’s great to see,” Lanier said.

Statesboro singer-songwriters Jake Manahan, Jason Lamson and lead singer of Those Cats, Cyril Durant, performed for free Monday night during “Jamming for Nick” at Loco’s.

The band donated all of the money made from sales of their own merchandise, raffle tickets for a custom Chris Mitchell guitar and bracelets with Ward’s name on it.

“It’s a really great thing when you can do something you love, which for us is music, and contribute to a good cause at the same time. Nick is a good friend of ours, and he always looked out for us. It’s nice to be able to give back to him in this way,” Scott Underwood, drummer of Those Cats, said.

“We had a fantastic turnout tonight, the Statesboro community really came together to help out. It’s great to see so much support for a good cause like this,” Lanier said.