GEDDES -- It was an evening filled with music for a young woman who was always dancing.
"Jenni and I used to go to a lot of concerts, and Jenni really loved music so I think this is a good interpretation of something she would have wanted done for her," said Jenni-Lyn's best friend Mallory Otis.
The Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial concert, held at the New Beginnings Christian Center, was created to celebrate her life. And also raise money for a dance scholarship in her name at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania, where she was a junior majoring in dance. The event was organized by someone who barely knew her but knew enough to know he had to help.
"I still wanted to do something because she was the life of everything. And it just affected so many of my friends that I just wanted to even help them out and have them look at it in maybe a lighter sense," said organizer Ben Fiore.
Jenni-Lyn's story captured the hearts of the Central New York community. Friends say the support, even from strangers, has helped as they begin to heal.
"Just feel like we're not alone, we have the friend support. But it's good to have the community support too," said friend Ally Panighetta.
"It's affected so many people, even those who didn't know her. So this is just a good way to get together, raise some money and show it in a positive way," said friend Melissa Vollick.
Six local bands performed including Jenni-Lyn's favorite, Standard of Living. "She really, really loved them and she would love to see them here," said Karista Lewis.
"I just want it to be positive Jenni wouldn't want everyone crying and being upset. And we're just trying to have people remember the good times they had with her," said Otis. "Every second of her life, she was dancing. And to help someone else live the way she did would make her really happy."
If you'd like to donate to the Watson Memorial Dance Scholarship at Mercyhurst College, you can send a donation to 7406 Donegal Way, Liverpool NY 13088.
