Blackfoot woman organizes concert to support Newtown families

Two weeks after what’s considered to be the second deadliest school shooting in U.S. History, the Blackfoot community put together a concert in honor of those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

Although Blackfoot and Newtown are thousands of miles apart, organizers said the concert will symbolize support and understanding despite the distance.

For Estella Delgado, the mass shooting in Newtown hit close to home… more than 2,000 miles away. As an mother, grandmother, and former educator she says the concert is meant to honor the 20 children and 6 educators who died in Newtown on Dec. 14.

“Children have always been something that intrigues me; their beauty, their intelligence, their love of learning,” said Delgado.

The concert, Delgado said, wouldn’t have been possible without the support of others. Singers, musicians, writers and performers from around eastern Idaho lent their talents for the concert.

Delgado said she hopes the songs, spoken words and prayers help those who are hurting during this holiday season. The theme of Saturday’s concert is Michael Jackson’s “We Are the World.”

“My most affection, heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families in Newtown, Connecticut and the surrounding people that have been greatly affected,” said Delgado. “The parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts… the teachers in the school that day and for the survivors.”

A recording of the concert will be sent to Newtown.

Officials said Connecticut State Troopers are finishing up their investigation at Sandy Hook Elementary and are transferring control and protection of the school to Newtown Police.