[WhiteRob]

INO Records recording artists SONICFLOOd performed a benefit concert on April 1 for the listeners of Star 88.3 (WLAB). This winning radio station was chosen from a random drawing of radio programmers who completed the steps in a "virtual scavenger hunt" for the “Cry Holy Concert Contest,” sponsored by INO Records, which took place last June. Nearly 1,800 people packed into the main sanctuary at Blackhawk Ministries in Fort Wayne, Indiana to hear the popular worship band. In addition to SONICFLOOd, the crowd also heard from the new band Building 429, as they opened the night with their current number one hit, “Glory Defined.”

The night was memorable for those in attendance according to Star 88.3 Program Director Don Buettner, "The response from many listeners and others that attended was incredible. We got calls with comments like ‘I'm so glad we could come to a concert with great music but it also ministered to us. It wasn't just a performance. We got to actively participate."

Star 88.3 General Manager Melissa Montana added, “It was a high energy, power packed night with a lot of parents and teens bouncing in their seats! The worship time was incredible as the crowd entered into worship as a participant. It was quite a sight to behold.”

Because the band provided the concert free of charge, the station was able to raise money for a local foundation, the Lutheran Social Services of Indiana (LSSI). LSSI is a social ministry organization that helps qualified individuals and families with emergency assistance, as well as aid to those experiencing financial crisis. During intermission, a donation check was presented to the foundation for $7,000, which came from money donated during Star 88.3’s annual share-a-thon and an additional $9,000 from ticket sales and love offering making the donation total $16,000.

“We were amazed at the energy of the bands and the excitement of the crowd,” Montana said. “We were honored to win this concert from INO Records and are thankful that STAR 88.3 could partner with them for an event that will touch lives for years to come. The night allowed us to give back to our community in a big way!”

Buettner added, “I entered the contest on a whim, really. SONICFLOOd’s songs are very popular with our listeners so I thought it wouldn’t hurt. Although I didn’t think we had much of a chance to win knowing hundreds of other stations would also enter. Go figure.”

Star 88.3 is a full time contemporary Christian music station featuring artists like SONICFLOOd, MercyMe and others. More than 40,000 listeners tune in to the station that serves Northeast Indiana and parts of Northwest Ohio.