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SUNSET HILLS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
On the debut night of season nine of American Idol on Fox 2, St. Louis, Idol wanna-bes sang in an effort to raise money for true St. Louis heroes: the families of police and firefighters who'd given their lives in the line of duty. It was night one of the 16 week Backstoppers St. Louis Idol karaoke contest at Helen Fitzgerald's restaurant and bar in Sunset Hills.
Backstoppers gives financial support to the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Tuesday nights contest had a very special significance: the entire evening was a tribute to Missouri State Trooper, Corporal Dennis Engelhard, 49, who gave his life in the line of duty in St. Louis County on Christmas Day.
Engelhard was working an accident on Interstate 44 when an approaching driver apparently hit a slick spot in the snow, went off the road, hit and killed Engelhard, who was standing near the trunk of his cruiser.
The highlight of the evening was a rendition of Danny Boy by 15 year old Ronnie Bass. People in the crowd teared up as he sang what has become something of anthem for police officers. Engelhard had no wife or children.
Backstoppers had already presented his parents with the first check to help them cover expenses related to his death.
His mother told Fox 2 his family was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from Backstoppers; really all of St. Louis.
I am sure he would be so awed about all of this, Marge Engelhard said. It was such a shock and tragedy. But we have come to realize how people can comfort and care for each other. Its wonderful. Thank you very much.
This is the second year for this fundraiser.
It raised $10,000 last year.
Backstoppers set a $30,000 goal this year.
The grand champion will be crowned May 8, at Keetons Double Play in South St. Louis.
Backstoppers gives financial support to the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Tuesday nights contest had a very special significance: the entire evening was a tribute to Missouri State Trooper, Corporal Dennis Engelhard, 49, who gave his life in the line of duty in St. Louis County on Christmas Day.
Engelhard was working an accident on Interstate 44 when an approaching driver apparently hit a slick spot in the snow, went off the road, hit and killed Engelhard, who was standing near the trunk of his cruiser.
The highlight of the evening was a rendition of Danny Boy by 15 year old Ronnie Bass. People in the crowd teared up as he sang what has become something of anthem for police officers. Engelhard had no wife or children.
Backstoppers had already presented his parents with the first check to help them cover expenses related to his death.
His mother told Fox 2 his family was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from Backstoppers; really all of St. Louis.
I am sure he would be so awed about all of this, Marge Engelhard said. It was such a shock and tragedy. But we have come to realize how people can comfort and care for each other. Its wonderful. Thank you very much.
This is the second year for this fundraiser.
It raised $10,000 last year.
Backstoppers set a $30,000 goal this year.
The grand champion will be crowned May 8, at Keetons Double Play in South St. Louis.
