TONIGHT
BOYNTON BEACH LIVE
March 20, 2014 | 6-11 PM
410-422 West Industrial Ave.
Boynton Beach, Florida 33426
Boynton Arts District
host fundraiser for paralyzed man...
By Attiyya Anthony, Sun Sentinel
BBAD Director Rolando Chang Barrerro met McGray, 41, a couple of times at his monthly art walks and open-mics, but when he heard that an accident left McGray paralyzed from the waist down last month, Chang Barrero felt he had to do something.
"When you support your community, your community will support you,"
Chang Barrero said. "When you get into an accident, the life change is so amazingly radical from one day to the next his life changed.
"
Chang Barrero said. "When you get into an accident, the life change is so amazingly radical from one day to the next his life changed.
"
Chang Barrero normally hosts art walks and open-mics on the third Thursday of every month, but he decided to do this one in honor of McGray.
Kimmie Ayers, McGray's high-school friend and co-organizer of the event, describes McGray as a fun-loving jokester who loved to ride his motorcycle. McGray is a professional poker player who lived with his elderly father.
"Even when we see him at the hospital, he's always laughing," she said. "He wants you to come in and not cry, but tell a joke — all he's thinking is that he's lucky to be alive."
McGray won't be at the event because he's still recovering in the hospital, but the motorcycle community that he loves so much will be there to support him.
Rick Hentz, a photographer and salesman, used to ride bikes with McGray. On Thursday, Hentz is organizing a ride from Pompano Beach to the BBAD fundraiser to rally support and donations for his injured friend.
Hentz said that he knows McGray may never walk again, but he still has faith in miracles.
"I hope he recovers and gets back on a bike," Hentz said. "You just have to think positive."
There will be musical guests, raffles, live-art, prizes and a donation box at the event.
aanthony@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6648 or @attiyya_sun
If you go: The Boynton Beach Live Open Mic Night will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday at The Boynton Beach Arts District, 422 W. Industrial Ave.
To join the ride: Meet at the RaceTrac gas station east of I-95 at Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach at 7:30 p.m. Riders will leave at 8 p.m.
To make a donation in support of Marcel McGray, visit The Beaded Dragon table at the event or visit fundly.com and search for 'Marcel McGray.'
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