Sock Out Cancer® Benefit Concert Plans to Raise $100,000 for Syracuse-Area Cancer Patients

On October 8, the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater will rock with the music of two of the most prolific pianists/vocalists/singer-songwriters of all time: Elton John and Billy Joel. The concert—A Musical Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel—is a Sock Out Cancer® benefit event to help cancer patients in the Syracuse area who are facing financial difficulties. Details of the concert were announced June 23 by concert sponsors, joined by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, and representatives of Crouse Health Foundation, St. Joseph’s Health Foundation and Upstate Foundation. The fundraising goal is $100,000, to be shared equally by the three hospital foundations for assisting area cancer patients and their families referred by the hospitals’ caseworkers.

“Security Mutual is proud to join with Syracuse concert co-presenter McNeil & Co. and all the generous concert sponsors who are working together to raise money for individuals who might have nowhere else to go,” said Security Mutual Life Chairman and CEO Bruce W. Boyea. He also announced that Sock Out Cancer will be making 300 concert tickets available at no charge for local cancer patients to enjoy a night out. For the rest of the public, tickets will be available for sale through Ticketmaster® beginning Monday, June 28. Boyea pointed out that in addition to enjoying a great evening of music, concertgoers will have the satisfaction of knowing that every dollar raised from ticket sales will go to Syracuse’s three hospital foundations, and every one of those dollars will be used to help cancer patients within the Greater Syracuse area. “Together we really can make a difference when we’re all zeroed in on the same thing,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of all three hospital foundations, Terry Toscano Shenfeld of the Upstate Foundation noted how funds raised by Sock Out Cancer help area cancer patients. “100 percent of the Sock Out Cancer funding that we receive directly supports cancer patients and their families: gas cards to help offset the cost of transportation to and from appointments, meal cards, copays and all kinds of other out-of-pocket expenses . . .,” said Shenfeld. She also shared two examples of how funds from Sock Out Cancer have helped meet some special needs of cancer patients. One patient had lost one of his two jobs and needed help making a car payment so he could continue getting to his remaining job and to his cancer treatments. Another oncology patient who was at the end of life simply wanted to see their favorite local park one last time. Sock Out Cancer made it possible to fulfill that patient’s dying wish.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh pointed out how the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the challenges faced by the community and its cancer patients. “As we come out of it [COVID], we’re reminded that we have significant challenges still in front of us beyond COVID, and cancer is certainly one of them. In fact, the pandemic has made it even more difficult to help people dealing with this terrible disease.” Mayor Walsh went on to thank Sock Out Cancer and the hospital foundations for the work they do and encouraged everyone to keep on fighting.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon also praised the hospital foundations and everyone working on the benefit concert. “There is nothing more important than your health,” he said. “Your team and what you’re doing—bringing awareness but also bringing resources to deal with this issue—is really, really important. We’re proud to be a supporter of yours and we’re proud to do our part.”

Boyea thanked the foundations and their hospitals for their care and compassion in treating their patients and then made a special announcement: “Because there’s such a need for care today, we don’t want to wait until the October 8^th concert to start helping area cancer patients. Instead we want to start helping right now. Therefore, we are proud to advance $30,000 today, with each foundation receiving a check for $10,000. Our hearts are with you,” he said.

Also on hand to announce the concert was a very special guest: the upcoming concert’s featured performer, Philip Myers. Myers is the leader of a 7-piece band and has opened for many famous entertainers, including Elton John. In fact, it was while being backstage at the Elton John – Billy Joel concert that Myers first had the idea of recreating the Elton John – Billy Joel Face to Face Tour. Since that time, Myers and his band have performed their Musical Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel for audiences all over the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America. On October 8 in Syracuse, Myers and his band will be joined by fellow performer and recording artist Matt Cusson, where together they will deliver a high-energy concert that will have the crowd on its feet singing and clapping along to timeless classics, from Bennie and the Jets and Crocodile Rock, to Only the Good Die Young, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, and more.

Myers concluded the event announcement with a concert sneak preview, performing Elton John’s Your Song (How Wonderful Life Is), as well as Billy Joel’s Piano Man. “I lost my mom and my dad and my grandmother all to cancer,” said Myers, “so cancer is something that’s very close to my heart. My band and I are honored to be part of a great evening for Sock Out Cancer.”