By Brittain Thompson

news@oxfordeagle.com

Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT) will host a benefit concert Oct. 9 at The Lyric featuring ’80s cover band The Molly Ringwalds with proceeds going to the LOFT endowment fund.

LOFT is a charity that is responsible for managing and awarding grants from an endowment fund that is maintained by local donations. This year alone it awarded $23,000 in grants to charities and other local organizations whose focus is on bettering Oxford and Lafayette County.

Its Board of Directors consists of local leaders and businessmen that levy their community links to maintain the endowment.

Since its inception in 2002, LOFT has helped 89 local organizations with their awarded grants totaling well over $200,000.

“Our grants don’t pay salaries,” said Walter Davis, a member of LOFT’s board of directors. “but they cover costs like furniture, office supplies, things you need to run and operate.”

Though their list of applicants has steadily grown since 2002, Davis still feels there is still a lack of awareness among charities within Lafayette County that could greatly benefit from their grant funds. Their goal with this benefit show is to not only help raise funds but to also work on their awareness problem.

“We didn’t actually award our entire budget this year,” said Davis. “A big part of that is a lot of people don’t know about us.”

Among the 89 recipients, LOFT has helped a number of local staples including Yoknapatawpha arts council for several years, Oxford Film Festival, the humane society, as well as the boys and girls club of Mississippi.

The Molly Ringwalds are self described as a, “legendary quintet has been able to combine their individual and very formidable talents to create the true essence of the most radical decade to ever be called ‘The 80’s.’”

They create an 80’s experience by honing their abilities to apply make-up and tease their hair while showcasing all the musical genres of the decade.

Tickets are $35 in advance or $50 the day of the concert, and if you are a student you can purchase a ticket for $20 by showing your id at The Lyric’s box office.