Pooling rock talent for a cure

By Mary Alice Blackwell

Published: June 27, 2008

William Seay isn’t one to talk a lot about his mother.

But his actions speak volumes.

Seay’s mother died of breast cancer in February 1999.

Although he says he is not a runner, he laces up his shoes in her honor.

“They run a Fairview 5K here,” he said. “It’s two weeks from Saturday.”

The race raises funds for the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research in Betty Seay’s memory.

“I help out as much as I can,” he said. “They do a good job of setting it up and running it. I am just happy to come by and run.”

So is Seay a runner?

“Oh, no,” he said with a laugh. “I run once a year.”

While this year’s race is scheduled for July 12, Seay has something new in the works for this Saturday. He will be slipping on his dancing shoes.

Rock for the Cure 08, a fundraiser for breast cancer research in honor of Betty Seay, will be held at Fairview Swim Club from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.

“This is the first annual concert,” William Seay said. “We are hoping to do it next year.”

More than half a dozen local bands donated their talents to the cause.

“We have Sparky’s Flaw, Trees on Fire, Grey Matter, Travis Elliott, Monticello Road, Sweetbriar, the Ryalls Brothers, Book of Job and there may be others,” Seay said. “They were great about the whole thing.”

Wild Wings Cafe and Rivals Sports Bar and Grill will be providing refreshments, while other businesses got on board as well, including J.W. Sieg, 106.1 the Corner and Vanity Hair Salon. And, of course, there’s Fairview Swim Club.

“We grew up here around Fairview,” said Seay, who competed on the local swim team. His young stepdaughter will be swimming for the first time this year.

“My mother brought us here, and she was a big part [of the community],” he said. “So it is just fitting that we threw the concert here.”

Seay said he didn’t remember if his mom was a rock fan, but he did say she would be pleased with this event.

“Yes she would,” he said. “It is a great way to raise a lot more money for research.”

And what about your Mom?

“She was just a great woman,” he said.

The cost for a day of righteous rock is a mere $7, free for children 8 and younger.

The swim club is at 707 Belvedere Blvd.

For more details, try 906-1642.