Melodies and Memories – an event to remember Kody Lucas

Music and philanthropy will combine to honor the enduring legacy of the young musician who lost his battle with cancer last year.

On July 13 at 6 p.m., the first “Melodies and Memories” celebration will take place at Southern Bridle Farms in Fort Valley to honor and celebrate the legacy of Kody Lucas, a proficient saxophonist and a member of Perry High School’s Class of 2011.

For a $25 entry fee, guests will enjoy a plate of home-style BBQ and festivities such as a silent auction, a raffle and live music courtesy of The Grapevine Band.

“Kody had a very giving nature,” said the event’s organizer, Lucas’ mother, Donna Moss. “Even in his darkest times, he was always more interested in giving to someone.”

The earnings generated by the event will be donated to Chords of Kindness, The Kody Brandon Lucas Foundation.

Specifically, funds will be used to aid families in Middle Georgia facing cancer-related financial hardships and provide musical therapists for young cancer patients — a tribute to Lucas’ passion for the saxophone and musical therapy,

“Music was very important to him,” Moss said. “When people think of Kody, they think of him playing the saxophone.”

Lucas was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007 and was given a year to survive.

Fueled by optimism and an vigorous desire to give, he managed to spread his kindness and compassion for five years longer than expected, passing away in April 2012.

But Lucas’ generosity is still very present, resonating throughout Middle Georgia in the form of events such as “Melodies and Memories” and blood drives.

“Instead of birthday gifts, he wanted a blood drive,” Moss said. “He was very adamant that we would continue to do the blood drive.”

And at the end of July, the fifth annual blood drive will be held at Rozar Park in Perry.

With an established annual event already under her belt, Moss has high hopes for the future of “Melodies and Memories.”

“We want to make this an annual event,” Moss said. “I would love for it to be so big we could have a concert at the Perry Fairgrounds.”

But Moss claimed the most important goal of the event is awareness.

“I want to open people’s eyes,” she said. “Awareness was important to [Kody].”

HHJ News