MUSCATINE, Iowa–When David “Tiny” Botello, owner of Tiny’s Tunes and the River’s Edge Event Loft, heard that his longtime friend, Robert “El Jovenaso” Enriquez, had stage four stomach cancer, he knew right away he had to do something to help him. Recently, Botello started running the River’s Edge Event Loft and thought that it would make the perfect spot to hold a successful fundraising event. “I’ve known him since he was a little kid,” said Botello. “We have the venue now, so we wanted to do something for him.”
To that end, Botello helped organize a benefit concert for Enriquez. On Dec. 11 from 4 to 10 p. m. at the River’s Edge Event Loft, located at 129 West Second Street, attendees can enjoy great music and delicious food for only $10 apiece. Attendees may purchase tickets at the door the day of the show.
Throughout the evening, four different bands, Conjunto La Razon of East Moline, Illinois, Grupo Fantasia Musical from the Quad Cities, La Nueva Lokera, and Libertad Oeste, will play their own original, authentic Latin American music. “He is a musician, so they are supporting him,” noted Botello.
Attendees may also enjoy a flauta dinner. A traditional Mexican dish, flautas feature corn tortillas filled with savory meat, vegetables, and spices and fried until crispy and golden, making them a huge crowd pleaser for people of all ages. Adults ages 21 and older may bring their own wine or beer if they like, though organizers ask that they not bring liquor. A family friendly event, supporters both young and old may attend and enjoy the concert and dinner.
Though people will have many choices for what to do with their weekend, Botello hopes to get a big turnout at the benefit concert. “We hope we get a couple hundred people in there at least,” he stressed. “I love doing stuff like this, and helping people when they most need help,” he added. “It lets people know people are there for them.”
All of the funds raised from the benefit concert and dinner will go to help pay for Enriquez’ medical treatment as well as transportation for him and his family. Enriquez recently began chemotherapy and must travel to the hospital regularly to continue receiving treatments. Botello knows that a large turnout could bring in thousands of dollars, which would help out Enriquez and his loved ones immensely, especially as some of them have fought their own battles with cancer in the past. Previously, some of Enriquez’s friends sold t-shirts to help him start covering his medical and travel expenses.
Botello would also like to see the event raise more awareness about supporting people with cancer, especially rare cancers such as stomach cancer. “To help fight cancer is the biggest thing, to raise awareness that anyone can get it,” he added.
If you would like to learn more about this upcoming benefit, you may visit its events page on Facebook or send a Facebook Message to Tiny’s Tunes Entertainment.
