CeranAid

Since the Ceran Christmas Eve tragedy, much of our efforts have been devoted to helping this amazing family deal with the aftermath.

We are working on putting together a benefit concert and CD called "CeranAid." It is impressive to see the response from the performing arts community. We've had so many performers come forward to share their talents in one or both (concert and CD), that we've actually run out of room. The artists are all donating their time, and their labels are donating their songs. In addition, the producer, the sound team, the lighting, the local newspaper, the emcees, and more are donating their services. It's wonderful to see it all come together.

The concert will be held Thursday evening, Jan. 18, at Thanksgiving Point. It's a gargantuan project that Janna is spearheading. We're hoping to help the family raise many thousands of dollars, because it sounds like the funds are sorely needed.

The funeral was a tremendously uplifting experience. Yes, there were many tears, but there was also beautiful music, messages of encouragment, reminders of why we're here and the importance of loving one another. President Thomas S. Monson of the Church was there. He shared a message of hope, then read a letter from the First Presidency to the Ceran family. Afterwards, he presented it to Gary. I'll never forget how he bent over to present it to Gary and gave him a kiss on his cheek.