by Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Chris Martin wows the St. Jago crowd. - Shamette Hepburn

Raising more than $257,000 in donations and gate receipts, Wednesday's STAR Charity Concert at St. Jago High School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine went a far way in assisting two students who are in need of surgery.

The concert was staged as part of the Artiste of the Month feature in aid of two students. The students, Onieka Taylor and Ransford Roper, are in need of money to finance surgeries.

Sixteen-year-old Onieka Taylor was involved in a near fatal car accident and needs reconstructive surgery on her legs, while Ransford Roper is suffering from genu varum (a severe case of bow legs) and also needs an operation.

Star power

The Artistes of the Month: Timeless, Sample Six, Shelly Belly, Black Blingaz and Ravers Clavers, joined with Coppershot Disco, Metro Media and entertainers- Lexxus, Christopher Martin, Busy Signal, DeMarco, Pressure, Bugle and Serani to lend a little of their star power to raise funds for the students.

With spectacular performances from all the artistes the concert was full of excitement and vibes.

Busy Signal, whose performance rocked the crowd, gave much more than his time by donating a total of $150,000 to the cause ($75,000 for each student).

"We do charity everyday, we give everyday," Busy told The STAR.

"Mi see di story on di front page of the STAR and seh mi will give for the kids, we give for the future. Even if its not my kids I will still give. I love to see how di yutes strive and it wasn't a problem doing the STAR show," he said.

Busy wasn't the only one with a generous heart as auto sales company Mack D's sent a representative to the show to donate $12,000 to Onieka Taylor.

Securities manager for Mack D's Samora Christian presented the cheque. He told the STAR that he had read Onieka story and was 'touched' by her situation.

"I approached my director and time was tight at this time of the year but we tried. I surprised at the turnout from the entertainment fraternity and was happy to see their support. I wish I had seen more representatives from corporate Jamaica," he said.

Proceeds from the gate is an approximate $95,000 bringing the total earning for the event to $257,000.

The STAR has also received calls from other companies that are willing to assist both students, as well as Onieka's mother whose home was destroyed during Hurricane Dean.

DJ Cutty from Coppershot ignites the St. Jago students. - Krista Henry