Hamilton Man to Lead Scottish Music Event to Benefit HAWC

Jack MacLean of Hamilton took two of his loves – music and his church – as well as a good cause to help organize a musical fundraising event Saturday in Salem.

MacLean, his church and many colleagues in his music circle will get together for - a benefit concert to benefit HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change).

“As church budgets get squeezed for what we can donate to an organization we have to do special events to keep up mission programs,” said MacLean. “We need to find ways to generate money to support an organization.

“I am also a member of the North Shore Pipe Band. I floated the idea to the group … they are pretty psyched about it.”

On Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at , 50 Washington St. in Salem, MacLean and his band, as well as Bob and Jennifer Strom on guitar and fiddle, bagpiper Cindy Carrancho, cellist David Cabral, Tabernacle’s minister, Rev. Laura Biddle on guitar, a small pipes band, and Highland dancer Kathy Tasso will provide a variety of entertainment. Suggested donation is $15, $10 for seniors and students.

HAWC, based in Salem, provides support, shelter and programs to victims of domestic violence. It covers 23 cities and towns on the North Shore, including Hamilton and Wenham, with offices and shelters in Beverly, Lynn, Ipswich, Salem, Gloucester and the .

The night ties in perfectly with HAWC’s main fundraising effort, Walk for HAWC, the following day. The 5-mile walk, rain or shine, begins at noon at in Derby Square in Salem. There will be entertainment, raffles and food for participants from following the event. Those interested can register at 11 a.m., whether they have raised money or not.

“Tabernacle Church has been longtime supporters (of HAWC), not only for our organization but by raising awareness of domestic violence issues and the resources available,” said Tracey Geary, HAWC director of Development. “And for Walk for HAWC (Tabernacle) has always had a good turnout through members walking and volunteers.”

Geary noted that many people are not aware of what HAWC does. She pointed out that in 2010 it answered 3,800 hotline calls, saw 712 people come in for one-on-one counseling, and sheltered more than 100 people who needed help due to domestic abuse.

MacLean hopes the full schedule on Saturday, followed by the walk on Sunday, will bring more attention to HAWC. He got involved when a member of his band was abused years ago.

MacLean said being the first time with this theme - and the number of performers - he isn’t sure what the turnout will be, but doubted it wouldn’t be a success.

“We love sharing the music. And if we can make it part of (Tabernacle’s) mission, we’re doing something powerful.

“Concerts (at the church) in the past have had a feeling … a sense of community, warmth and a great presence.”

If you or someone you know are involved in domestic abuse, call the HAWC hotline at 800-547-1649.