Forest City, PA – What’s better than huntin’, fishin’ and lovin’ every day? For Preston Cosklo of Forest City, PA, not much, but seeing the man that sings his anthem live in concert, comes close.
Preston, born with cerebral palsy, was nominated to be a Band-Aids VIP by his mother, Tiffany. “He loves Luke Bryan. His tour is “Huntin’ Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” and my little Preston is a hunter! That song is his anthem,” she said.
The new local charity sent him, along with his mother and father, to Luke Bryan’s Huntin’ Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour on Thursday, July 13 at the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts.
Band-Aids is a local charity organization that sends mentally challenged and medically fragile individuals to the concert of their choice. The charity aims to provide a true VIP experience for its nominees. These perks include, but are not limited to, VIP access to the band or artist of their choice, transportation, free merchandise and accommodations at the venues and front row seats, when available.
Unfortunately, not many concert venues offer front row handicap accessible seats. In this case, the charity was able to get Preston and his family in the first 20 rows but not up close and personal with his idol, Luke Bryan.
“It’s unfortunate that accommodations for medically fragile individuals are so far away from the stage. We really try to not only get our VIP’s front row, but also bring attention to this issue in an effort to change it. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to be front row at their favorite artist’s concert but for some people, that’s simply not an option,” said Michael Pisanchyn, Esquire, founder of Band-Aids.
Despite the accessible seating issues, Preston and his family did get VIP tickets that include an invitation to “Luke’s Lounge” before the show. The Lounge features a two song pre-show acoustic performance by Luke Bryan and complimentary appetizers. They also received an exclusive VIP merchandise gift and a personal concert concierge.
The charity was also able to secure a meet and greet for Preston with Luke Bryan. During the preshow, Luke noticed how excited Preston was and got the crowd chanting his name!
Band-Aids asks for nominations for mentally challenged and medically fragile individuals, which is how it found Preston.
The charity runs completely on volunteers, Pisanchyn said, so all donations go directly to granting wishes for people. To donate to Band-Aids, follow this link. You can also nominate someone for tickets to a show and a potential meeting with the musician here.