Fundraiser Aug. 21 to Help Seriously Ill, Iconic Asheville Singer
A large group of friends, musicians and Asheville area community members have joined together as “Friends of Kat Williams” to lend support for the iconic blues and jazz singer as she battles End Stage (stage 5) kidney disease.
A “Save Kat Campaign” will be launched Thursday, Aug. 21 at 5pm at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. Williams, who lives in Asheville, is a well-known and widely admired singer who has garnered a large number of accoades, friends, and fans over the years. Known for her throaty, full-range and lively blues and jazz performances, her career includes an Emmy nomination, an appearance on the Tonight Show, performances up and down the East Coast, and a popular yearly performance of the Star Spangled Banner during Asheville’s Fourth of July fireworks.
Quietly, she has also donated performances free to scores of fundraisers for area non-profit organizations. Now, say Friends of Kat Williams, it is time to give back to her. A recent announcement notes that Williams has battled the disease privately for some time. But her kidney function has decreased to 13%, making it impossible for her to perform, and putting her on a critical path to get on a list for a kidney transplant if a donor match can be found.
Her support group says that doctors at the Mountain Kidney and Hypertension Association in Asheville are working with the Duke Kidney Transplant Program and Emory University Healthcare Kidney Transplant program in hopes of getting her on the transplant list soon. The goal of the “Save Kat” campaign is to: find a donor; assist Williams with transportation and lodging to and from Emory Hospital in Atlanta and Duke University Hospital; and help with medical costs of the transplant, anti-rejection medicines, and living expenses so she can return to serving the community.
Says Williams: “It’s very hard for me to say, but I need help from my community.”
(NOTE TO REPORTERS: Kat may be reached for a possible feature story or interview at katwilliams@live.com, or 828-777-9311)
#savekatwilliams #asheville #avlevents #avlnews #jazz #jazzlivesmatter #blacklivesmatter
This is a very special night as the community gives back to one of Asheville’s hardest working musicians for charity causes – Katrina “Kat” Williams. Its’ time for us to give back to our beloved Kat who has selflessly given so much for others.
On the evening of August 21, 5-8pm everyone is invited to the Save Kat Williams Fundraiser. This evening of celebration seeks to raise funds for Kat’s growing medical bills in the pursuit of a kidney transplant, recovery and medical maintenance.
Join for heavy hors d’oeuvres and dancing at the fabulous downtown Renaisance Hotel ballroom. Musical guests include West Sound and Free Planet Radio. If Kat is feeling upto it – she will join the bands and special musical friends for just a few musical numbers.
Bring your dancing shoes, good vibes and check book to help Asheville’s beloved Kat Williams.
If you cant make it, please buy a few tickets for those who can or visit https://www.youcaring.com/kat-williams-596367to offer a special donation.