‘Panama City Beach Catastrophe’ survivors host fundraiser to cover losses of Spring Break car fire

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The survivors of the “Panama City Beach Catastrophe” partied to redeem funds and items lost in a sudden near-explosion en route to their spring break destination.

The fundraiser, which took place from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday at Wayside Central, 2000 S. Mission St., offered patrons VIP wristbands for participating and drink specials.

Clio sophomore Tom Lorentzen said the proceeds benefited him and the six other Central Michigan University students who lost much of their funds and clothing in a car fire on their way to Panama City, Fla.

“This is really unbelievable,” he said. “I’m just really grateful that people listened to our story and wanted to help.”

Both Lorentzen and Hope sophomore Anthony Lazzaro, who was also on the fateful trip, work for Celebrity Events alongside Wayside Central owner John Hunter.

“They’re just such nice kids and they had a little bit of a downfall, and now they’re making a positive out of it,” Hunter said. “We came up with the idea and … I think it’s going to be great.”

The seven CMU students received money from each VIP wristband collected at the door. Wristbands were free and gave fundraiser participants half off of Wayside Central’s entry cover charge and access to drink specials, which included discounted Long Island iced teas, “PCB Catastrophes,” “flamethrower shots” and “crispy car shots.”

Lorentzen was not sure how much money the seven would end up making, but he said he was grateful for any amount.

“We’re not really concerned about the amount,” he said. “Just as long as everybody is having a good time.”

Lorentzen said he was pleased by the turnout and excited to see so many of his friends from different universities across the state show up.

Alexis Dedrich traveled from Georgia to take advantage of the drink specials and do her part in helping the guys.

“I went to Panama City with all of them,” she said. “I love all of them and they’re so much fun and I just want to support them.”

Hunter said a similar fundraising event for the seven students will be held at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St., at a later date.