I received my second stringing assignment for The Indianapolis Star on Friday, this time more journalistic and more touching. It was a benefit for Brad Humphrey, who was in the first row of the Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair that ended before it began when the stage collapsed. Concertgoers helped him get out, but he ended up paralyzed from the middle of his chest on down. People gathered together in the aftermath to support the victims and their families, as Midwesterners are wont to do in most community tragedies. In Brad's case, a doctor, a kids' performer, children with artistic ability & a giving spirit, and others built a network that resulted in over $5,000 collected to benefit Brad and his family. Despite the circumstances, I was glad to see the show of support; just like the response from Bloomington residents to the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, the feeling of community built from tragedy made me feel good about people.

For the full gallery of photos on the IndyStar website, follow the link here.

Brad Humphrey (front) talks with event organizers while surrounded by his mother, Sue (left), his cousin Lindsay Reynolds and organizer Cari Hahn during the Benefit for Brad fundraiser at the Carmel Civic Square, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. Organizers put on the event, which featured a concert, art sale, games, prizes and a silent auction, to raise money for Brad, who was paralyzed in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse. Alex Farris | For The Star