Focus On Renewal (FOR) is hosting a benefit performance at the Father Ryan Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 for 14-year-old Kelvin “Fat Man” Lovelace, who was shot and killed on Sunday, May 17 in East Hills.
The donation is $10 and can be purchased at Ryan Arts, 420 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks. All proceeds will go to Kelvin’s family for funeral arrangements.
Two local youth dance teams, Pretty Young Ladies (PYL) and Dancing Soldiers 412, and other special guests will perform at the benefit concert. PYL and Dancing Soldiers 412 are competitive dance teams for youth ages 5 to 18 that practice at the Father Ryan Arts Center. They recently performed in the Terrance Austin Presents: Burgh’s Best Dance Team at Ryan Arts.
FOR Executive Director Greg Quinlan said, “PYL’s manager, Jessica Hillman, approached us about hosting this event. The youth dance teams wanted to turn their grief into positive action to support the family. Ryan Arts exists to help kids and families with few resources create something positive. These youth are making change in their community. We can help them respond to this senseless tragedy.”
Kelvin Lovelace, of Wilkinsburg, was shot about 12:30 a.m. Sunday on Wilner Drive. According to police, he was outside with a group of people when someone in a passing vehicle opened fire. Authorities told Kelvin’s mother, LaShaun King, they suspect the shooter was aiming for someone else in the group when Lovelace was struck. Kelvin was an eighth grader at Friendship Academy.
Funeral arrangements are pending. In addition to his mother, Kelvin is survived by his father, Kelvin Lovelace, brother, Kelshon, 13, and sisters, Sierra, 16, and Lynaesha, 9.
About Focus On Renewal
Focus on Renewal (FOR) is a non-profit human service agency that has served the McKees Rocks community for 46 years. The agency’s mission is to empower the development of spirit, mind and body of individuals so they may live their lives in a dignified and fully human way. Focus On Renewal services include a community center, food pantry, free daily lunch for those in need, workforce readiness, early Head Start and family support programs, the FOR Sto-Rox Library and the Father Ryan Arts Center.
About the Father Ryan Arts Center
The Father Ryan Arts Center is the largest community-based arts facility west of Pittsburgh, located at 420 Chartiers Avenue in McKees Rocks. Ryan Arts features music practice rooms, dance studios, classrooms for learning, an art gallery and a 130-seat theater. Arts classes, events and performances are offered year-round for children, youth and adults. Individuals, groups and businesses can host celebrations and meetings at the Ryan Arts Events Center.