ALPENA — As we head into our so far mild fall here in Michigan, some people in our community are thinking about those 1,400 miles away, who have experienced the worst weather in recent history.

David Delano, music director at Grace Lutheran Church, decided to organize a coffeehouse music evening at the church to raise funds for those suffering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian.

Proceeds from Wednesday’s event, at 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, will go toward those in the Bahamas dealing with the aftermath of the storm.

“I am doing this event in coordination with Grace Lutheran Church to raise money for the devastating effects that Hurricane Dorian had on the Bahamas,” Delano said. The effort will focus specifically on the places that received the most damage — Grand Bahama Island and Great Abaco Island. “Those two were the hardest hit in Dorian, which is the worst hurricane they’ve ever seen there. I mean, whatever happened scientifically to make the storm just park over the Bahamas for 30 hours, with winds strong enough that if they had a Category 6 they would have classified it as that, but it doesn’t exist. … Just complete, massive destruction.”

Grand Bahama is the northernmost of the islands of the Bahamas, located just 64 miles off the coast of Palm Beach, Fla. Almost half of the homes on the island were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian earlier this month. More than a week ago now, the official death toll was 50 and still rising as crews continue to search for the missing 2,500 after the Sept. 1 hurricane.

“The Bahamas are a separate sovereignty, so the U.S. is not required to give them any assistance,” Delano said.

Still, the United States, specifically Florida, has generously aided the Bahamas with money, necessities and search and rescue crews in the aftermath of the heinous storm. Florida alone has donated more than $3 million to assist in the cleanup, rescue and rebuilding efforts. But Delano says even though we are far removed from the scene, we should lend a helping hand.

“It really affected me seeing that form of devastation,” Delano explained as to why he wanted to organize this fundraiser. “It’s as if a bomb went off. It’s just awful.”

So he consulted with Pastor Tom Orth, who said it was a great idea, and Delano coordinated a variety of musicians to come perform. Entertainment will include Jordan Hand and Adrian Alexander from Thunder Bay Theatre singing, Peggy Tomaszewski from Grace Lutheran, along with her daughter Kat, Randy Johnson on guitar, and several more musicians.

“We want to do this, and get this done, and get the money down there,” Delano said of the immediacy of helping. “There are actually some places on the island where the water has been contaminated, so they don’t even have drinking water.”

Admission is a suggested $10 donation at the door. Coffee and desserts will be provided. Delano said it will be a lively event suitable for all ages. He expects the event to go for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

“We want to just have a good evening,” Delano said. “Have some food and enjoy some music. … It’s a light atmosphere. We really just want to bring attention to it, but not in a downhearted way.”

Those unable to attend are welcome to make a donation during office hours at the church from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.