A family that was badly injured and financially devastated when a drunken driver slammed into their car will benefit from a concert planned for Dec. 22 in the Sandy City Hall.

Dan and Rhonda Christensen's car was hit head on the night of Nov. 27, 1993. They were injured, along with their son, Braedy, then three years old, and Dan's sister, Marin, 13. Miraculously, the baby boy, Bo, three months, was not hurt.The driver who hit them is serving time behind bars.

The Christensen family's ordeal was detailed in a Deseret News article on Nov. 27, the anniversary of the crash. They are still suffering from the financial and physical damage.

In an attempt to help, some area McDonald's restaurants and Broadcast International Inc. are sponsoring the Dec. 22 concert by the musical Goodman Family to benefit the Christensens.

The holiday concert will be held in the Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway (170 West), Sandy.

"Over a year later, members of the family continue to deal with several medical complications that have depleted their financial resources," said Claudia Goodman.

"Dan currently holds three part-time jobs - in addition to continuing law school - to try to make ends meet."

Steve Goodman, father of the children performing the benefit concert, said that when his family read the account of the accident, "we were deeply moved and wanted to do something . . .

"We were amazed at the strong and supportive response we got when discussed our idea of a benefit concert with potential sponsors and other caring individuals. We hope that our donation of time and musical talent will be multiplied many-fold by others in our community."

The Goodman family includes 12 singing children. They have toured throughout the central and Western states and have starred in the annual Christmas play, "The Christmas Stranger," which has drawn sellout crowds.

The family has released on album and has another in production.

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No admission will be charged for the concert, but those attending are encouraged to donate generously at the door. All proceeds will go to the Christensen Trust Fund to help defray ongoing medical expenses.

"Once in awhile you have an opportunity to make a contribution to people who can really use the help that we unitedly can give," said Clark Stringham, owner/-operator of nine McDonald's restaurants in Utah.

"We feel fortunate to be involved in sponsoring an event which will help this critical situation and allow us to return something to the communities that have been so good to us. We hope that many others will join us in the spirit of giving, and contribute generously to this worthy cause."

Claudia Goodman said that anyone who would like to help but can't attend the concert may send contributions directly to the Christensen Family Medical Fund at any branch of First Interstate Bank.

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