Ben’s Lighthouse has announced a major fundraising event taking place on Friday, November 15, at 7 pm: A Very Special Evening of Music and Song with Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal, and Joe Henry.

The special event will be performed at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.

Ben’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization led by Francine and David Wheeler in honor of their son Ben Wheeler, began as a grassroots organization following 12/14. The organization is dedicated to empowering children and teens to develop self-awareness, empathy, and social connections through their The Isle of Skoo programming as well as inspiring young people to find their unique ability to make a difference in the world.

A large part of Ben’s Lighthouse’s fundraising efforts for the last near-decade have been via benefit concerts and evenings of music, many of which have also taken place at Edmond Town Hall. On November 15, Cash, Leventhal and Henry will all be lending their immense talent to an evening dedicated to recognizing and honoring social justice, activism, and change, all of which align with their personal ethos.

Tickets are $500 for VIP, which includes front row seating, meet and greet with the artists, and a gift bag; $200 for preferred seating (best available seating in the second and third row); $75 general admission orchestra tickets and front row center balcony tickets; and $55 general admission balcony seats.

A cash bar and snacks will be available in the lobby.

All ticket sales and proceeds for the event will support Ben’s Lighthouse programming, which includes The Isle of Skoo summer camp as well as future benefit concerts to support the organization’s mission statements. Visit benslighthouse.org for tickets and other details.

On the importance of bringing the community together through music and connection via the benefit concert, Francine Wheeler said since the death of her son Ben, she has “strived to move through my grief with absolute love for him by building a community to support each other and help teach kindness and empathy through the arts.

“I sing, I write, I tell stories, I live and love truthfully, and that’s the best way I can honor him; to give back to the children in our community and celebrate the love and light in our hearts,” she also shared. “Singing was the first thing I did to try to reach Ben after he had been stolen from us, and I continue to sing to this day, sharing that music with my community.

“To have artists at the level of commitment and stature of Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal and Joe Henry join us in our attempt to foster love and understanding in our community is a bit of a dream come true; David and I are so grateful that they’ve brought their vision and passion alongside ours. That’s a community I want to be a part of and that’s why this benefit is so special as we celebrate life, love, and music together.”

Roseanne Cash says it is “an honor to support Ben’s Lighthouse along with my partner John Leventhal, and my dear friend Joe Henry.

“I spoke at the Million Mom March against gun violence in Washington, D.C. in 2000, and for the past 24 years, I have been an advocate for protecting children from this scourge,” Cash continued. “In the many marches, protests, benefits, sit-ins, and fundraisers I have participated in, I have met far too many parents who have suffered the unimaginable, like Francine and David. They are the very reason to not ever give up on addressing in every way possible this public health catastrophe and the generational trauma inflicted when a precious life is lost. Francine has ensured that Ben’s life resonates still in the beauty, help, healing, art, music, compassion, and connection she facilitates in his honor. I’m thrilled we can offer a little wind for the sails of those who make their way to Ben’s Lighthouse.”

On being inspired by the Wheeler family story and feeling compelled to participate in the Ben’s Lighthouse benefit concert, Joe Henry had the following to say: “When I first encountered Francine Wheeler, I had personally never known anyone who had faced such trauma; and certainly no one who had met their critical moment with more determination, courage, and generosity.

“As a result, I felt inspired; invited and challenged to see my own journey with renewed dedication,” he added. “The telling of her family’s story is necessary for any of us who find transformation essential to our shared forward motion.”

Based in Newtown, Ben’s Lighthouse is named for six-year-old Ben Wheeler, one of the children who died on 12/14. Ben’s Lighthouse honors Ben’s enthusiasm for life, his love of lighthouses, and his energy and spirit that are carried on through the work of the organization.

The organization’s mission drives all to foster all children’s potential to build a more compassionate and connected world. Ben’s Lighthouse offers programs such as The Isle of Skoo puppet show, camp and workshops that help kids and teens develop empathy, self-awareness and social connection. The lighthouses that Ben loved provide the perfect metaphor that guides the organization’s work. Through music, puppetry and mentorship, participants are encouraged to find and share their own light — to stand tall and shine bright.