Concert at SCC to commemorate Colin Mackey

By Laurie Gordon
NEWTON – It's going to be a beautiful day this Saturday (September 23) so head to Sussex County Community College for the Rockin' for Colin Concert from 1 to 6 pm. The concert is in memory of Colin Christopher Mackey, a Wallkill Valley Regional High School graduate who was attending SCCC at the time of his untimely death at the young age of 21 on September 22nd, 2014. The event is hosted by and all proceeds from the concert benefit The Colin Mackey Memorial Scholarship. The Sussex County Community College Foundation Office will be co-hosting the event.
Colin's mother, Kathie L. Betz Mackey, said, “The Colin Mackey Memorial Scholarship was started at his funeral. He was a honor student at Sussex County Community College at the time of his passing . This scholarship has since become an endowment fund meaning forever and six kids to date that have an interest in arts and psychology have received scholarships. One is given every semester. It is our way of giving back for the love shown towards my family and my son. It is always a very special day. Please come out and a big thank you to all who have helped make this possible.”
Mackey added, “The scholarship was first started because I wanted something positive in lieu of flowers at the funeral that meant something to him. Then Mountain Creek held a 'We Ski for Big C' ski fundraiser and I knew we needed to keep building to this. Colin loved music fests so the first one was in 2015. Sussex County Community College assisted and without even knowing any musicians I put it out there. His friends who I did not know are musicians and stepped up. Thus the first Rockin for Colin started. Fri is the 4th with same kids who I've grown to love and new musicians. There is a silent auction, music, food and 50/50.”
Since Colin Mackey's funeral, over $14,000 has bee raised and six kids — one per semester — have been helped with scholarships.
“It is now an endowment scholarship meaning forever,” Mackey said. “Our goal was to become an endowment scholarship but it is such an enjoyable day and such a special cause for myself and my family that we will continue as long as we are able. Many people have helped make this scholarship possible not just my family. It truly has been a work of love for my family, his friends and neighbors and friends.”
Bands will include JP Heston, Zack Fischer (Colin's friends) in Jungle Jazz Initiative, Jean Pool, and Joel Peterson.
The event will include an auction and the following prizes which have been generously donated by local businesses: Walmart-Franklin $50 gift card, Weiss -Franklin/Newton $25 gift card from each store, Jimmie Gee (an ice ice bucket and tee shirt), vouchers to Mountain Creek, Course-4, ($220 value), Tony's Bar and Restaurant ($50 gift card), Yetters Diner (two $15 gift cards), Krogh's ($15 gift card), Grasshopper ($25 gift card), Vintage Salon ($50 gift card), and NJ Swim (month of free swim lessons and t-shirt). Mackey said, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people..businesses and friends. This is beyond my wildest imagination. Thinking this is going to be the most successful event yet.”
Several large donations were generously made by the Sparta United Methodist Church to help the scholarship fund reach it's goal and Colin's family thankfully acknowledges Mountain Creek as well.
Donations can be made to the SCCC Foundation, Colin Mackey Memorial Endowment Scholarship, One College Hill Rd Newton NJ 07860.
Colin Mackey was known for putting smiles on people's faces. This concert is a reflection of that and his love of music fests. Enjoy the music.