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<p>Members of the Boote family have organized year-end fundraisers since 2011 to benefit several community causes.</p><p>In the wake of an unthinkable tragedy this year, the community is giving something back.</p><p>Hundreds of well-wishers gathered at the River Street Jazz Cafe on Sunday evening to raise money for a cause dear to the family&#8217;s heart &#8212; and to pay respects after the death of patriarch Fred Boote nearly two months ago.</p><p>&#8220;I just want people to know how grateful we are and how much we appreciate their support,&#8221; Brittany Boote said as guests continued to stream into the club.</p><p>Her father, 58, was killed in his South Wilkes-Barre home in the early hours of Sept. 14. Two people face charges in the case.</p><p>But Sunday night was about celebrating the legacy Boote leaves behind, including four children, four grandchildren and the annual charitable efforts his family supports.</p><p>Brittany Boote founded Shots for Tots seven years ago to bring Christmas gifts and cheer to Wilkes-Barre children.</p><p>Boote said she won&#8217;t be able to do Shots for Tots this year, as the death of her father &#8220;has obviously just been so overwhelming.&#8221;</p><p>Another cause dear to the Boote family&#8217;s heart did get a big boost Sunday night, however.</p><p>When her mother, Erin Boote, died in 2015, the family added a second cause: They launched a scholarship in her name to give $500 to a Meyers High School graduate who plans to pursue an education in the arts.</p><p>This year it becomes the Erin and Fred Boote Scholarship, and proceeds from Sunday&#8217;s event will be applied toward the fund.</p><p>Organizers on Sunday said they expected to top 500 guests for the night&#8217;s event, at which admission was a suggested $5 donation.</p><p>One of those organizers was Joe Caviston of Meat and Potato Productions, a local music promoter and friend.</p><p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve known Brittany for years, and I&#8217;ve watched her do so much for other people,&#8221; Caviston said.</p><p>Boote is a former manager at the Jazz Cafe and knows many in the local music scene, so it is probably not surprising that Caviston&#8217;s efforts quickly turned to a benefit concert.</p><p>&#8220;The morning I found out (about Fred&#8217;s death) there was no question that we were going to do something,&#8221; Caviston said. &#8220;So I just rounded up the dream team of all the local doers and movers.&#8221;</p><p>Sunday&#8217;s line-up included performances by The Boastfuls, A Proud Monkey, Vine Street and Clever Gents, which is made up of DJ Hirsch Geno Lispy and AJ Jump. Others who helped out included Rich Howells of NEPA Scene and Keith Perks of 1120 Studios.</p><p>River Street Jazz Cafe Manager Heather Smith Szeliga, who was behind the bar on this busy night, wasn&#8217;t surprised by the outpouring of support.</p><p>&#8220;Today is a very important day for a very wonderful family,&#8221; Smith Szeliga said. There&#8217;s just a lot of love, a lot of support from the whole entire valley.&#8221;</p><p>Brittany Boote had a message for the organizers of Sunday&#8217;s concert, and all who have lent a hand since her dad&#8217;s death.</p><p>&#8220;I was totally blown away,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I just want people to know their support is working, it&#8217;s helpful.&#8221;</p><style>
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<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_bootemug-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Boote </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_bootemug-1.jpg</photo0><caption0>Boote </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_BooteBenefit-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">From left, Brandon Rodriguez, Martin Monahan and Chad Wescott, members of Scranton-based The Boastfuls, perform during Sunday night&#8217;s Boote family benefit at River Street Jazz Cafe. The event raised funds for the Erin and Fred Boote Scholarship, which aids a Meyers High School graduate who is looking to pursue a career in the arts. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_BooteBenefit-1.jpg</photo1><caption1>From left, Brandon Rodriguez, Martin Monahan and Chad Wescott, members of Scranton-based The Boastfuls, perform during Sunday night&#8217;s Boote family benefit at River Street Jazz Cafe. The event raised funds for the Erin and Fred Boote Scholarship, which aids a Meyers High School graduate who is looking to pursue a career in the arts. </caption1><photoCredit1>Roger DuPuis | Times Leader </photoCredit1></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>Event draws 100s to Jazz Cafe</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Roger DuPuis</p><p>rdupuis@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div>

Benefit concert aids Boote family scholarship