Former classmates raise funds for trooper

It was a night of music and friendship. Several members of Notre Dame Regional High School's class of 1985 and some from other classes gathered together Saturday and gave a concert that raised more than $5,000 to help a fellow graduate, Brad Lively.

Lively, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper, was seriously injured June 14 when he was struck by a car on Interstate 55.

Tenor Roger Seyer sang several selections from Broadway performances he has been in. Other performers include Mike Renick, of radio station K103, who just released his first CD of original songs, "Diamond Eyes," Kara Cracraft, Alan Bruns, Adam Cox, Casie Janet and Blake Fisher. A group known as Noziroh, made up of Jim Keusenkothen, Daryl LeGrand and Bret Young, also took the stage.

"It was absolutely wonderful," said Tony Buehrle, Notre Dame's development director, who organized the concert along with drama director Cindy King. "It was really nice entertainment."

Seyer, a Broadway performer, put the program together in about three weeks' time, said Sgt. Larry Plunkett, information officer for the patrol. Seyer called some of his friends and they developed a three-hour program.

"It was just some of his high school friends who wanted to do something for him," Plunkett said.

The music may have been top-notch, but the largest ovation was given to Lively, who walked through the auditorium on crutches. Lively stayed for the entire performance and sat in his wheelchair.

"He was able to stand and greet people," Buehrle said. "He was able to get around quite well for what he went through."

Plunkett said that Lively has been able to maneuver on his crutches only within the last month. He gets rehabilitation therapy five days a week and is working hard at his recovery.

"He is progressing better than anybody could have expected," Plunkett said. "He's able to put weight on his legs. He's moving right along."

Plunkett and Buehrle said that the benefit was given because Lively's friends wanted to do something for him. The family is not experiencing any financial necessity, but does appreciate the friendship behind the effort. Plunkett said the family, thanks to the community's generosity, has been able to take care of unexpected expenses.

Buehrle said that contributions the evening of the concert came from ticket sales, sales of Renick's CD and gifts from classmates and others who couldn't attend but have sent in cards.

"We're still getting calls from people saying they did not get to come and would like to know how they can give," Buehrle said.

"The family appreciates everything that has been done," Plunkett said.

An account for the Lively family has been set up at First Missouri State bank.

Buehrle said that during the concert, Notre Dame gave Lively a plaque of appreciation for his work with the school's chapters of Students Against Drunk Driving and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Plunkett said within a few months doctors will know when Lively can return to work.

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160