On the night of 12/2, Casey's dad, Bobby, and his family hosted the Casey Blackwelder Memorial Celebration at Homestead Baptist Church of Kannapolis. It included two Christian Music Bands as well as two beautifully performed solos by Casey's widow, Bethany.  The event also included a BBQ and Cake Walk.  

Bobby was thrilled to share that because of those efforts and generous donations of many, Homestead Baptist Church helped raise $3,000!  That figure included $900 in cake sales, including a rainbow pound cake for over $200!  

The Blackwelder and Gavin families are so excited about the two church group efforts that netted over $7,500 in Casey's memory.

Casey's mom Andie was so excited to share what her and Casey's wife, Bethany, were able to do at Casey's church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Cherryville, NC), on 11/11.  They held a dinner-concert fundraiser raised over $4,600 with over 100 donations.  Anide said, "I'm so proud of Casey. He left such a positive role model for so many."  Casey was music minister at the church.

What a wonderful legacy.  The scholarship is now over $10,300!

Bethany and Casey's dad, Bobby, will host a second fundraiser at Bobby's church, December 2.  The event at Homestead Baptist Church (105 West 22nd St., Kannapolis, NC 28081) includes dinner from 5-6:45 pm, a cake/dessert auction during the 6-7 pm hour, and a concert beginning at 7 pm featuring Bethany Blackwelder, Gracie Key & Brian Key, as well as Contemporary Christian rock band "Mercy Falls" and Southern/Contemporary Gospel band "Opened Eyes Music".

The UNC Charlotte Department of Music was heartbroken by the tragic death of recent graduate Casey Blackwelder (B.M. Performance, '17). Casey was a wonderful musician who made a number of outstanding contributions to our jazz program. He will be especially remembered by our faculty, staff, and students as a beloved friend whose humility and warm spirit touched everyone he met.  

“Casey was an excellent musician and student, as well as an important member of the UNC Charlotte family.  His many contributions to our department will never be forgotten.” – Dr. Will Campbell, Director, Jazz Studies

At the request of Casey's family, we are working toward establishing a music scholarship in his name. We hope that you consider helping us pay tribute to the legacy of this remarkable young man by making a contribution to the Casey Jay Blackwelder Music Scholarship. Every gift of every size will help us share Casey's love of life and music with the next generation of music majors.