Before Yachtzilla’s drummer, Charles “Spanky” Lake, died in 2004, his last wish was to help children facing the cancer he couldn’t beat.
That request resonated with Yachtzilla. This week, the band will honor him with the first Rockin’ for Hope: A Night with Yachtzilla, a benefit concert from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at The Duce in Phoenix. Proceeds support Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
“This is going to be a phenomenal, fun show,” said Yachtzilla guitarist/vocalist Jeff Feldman, known as “Yachty Pippen.”
“Anybody and everybody that goes is going to have a great time. Our goal is to have as much fun as everybody else does.”
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The band, known for its choreography, humor and yacht‑rock nostalgia, will headline the event alongside FlashPants — an ’80s cover act that performs in Richard Simmons‑style outfits and once won Mike Myers’ reboot of “The Gong Show.” DJ Randy — Feldman’s brother — will spin before the show and between sets.
“He’s donating his time, and he’s unbelievable,” said Feldman, whose band is also performing for free.
“We’re not making a single dime on this show. We believe in Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and we want to do everything we can to help the children.”
Taylor Blake, Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s event planner, called the fundraiser “approachable.”
“It’s going to be a really approachable way to support Phoenix Children’s,” Blake said. “All of the proceeds will go to support our CCBD [Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders] unit. We’re really excited about it.
“Guests can expect some smooth tunes and good lyrics. There will be food and beverages throughout the night, as well as a 50/50 raffle. It’s just another way to give back.”
Feldman agreed that the event is designed to feel like a full‑scale show rather than a traditional fundraiser.
“This is not going to be set up like a PBS money‑raising event,” Feldman joked. “It’s going to be a concert, and it’s going to be a blast.”
Lake’s family remains deeply involved. His wife, Terri Lake, and their children have attended each benefit.
“She called me a couple of days ago and said, ‘Is there anything I can do to volunteer to help?’” Feldman said. “They’re not only going to be there, but they’re going to be helping as well.”
General admission tickets are $75, and VIP tickets are $150, which include three hours of open food and drink, a meet‑and‑greet with the band, a dedicated viewing area and access to an exclusive lounge. Every dollar goes directly to Phoenix Children’s. Taylor is proud of her organization.
“Phoenix Children’s is home to the largest pediatric cancer program in Arizona,” she said. “The impact of this work is extremely significant. Last year alone, the center treated more than 4,900 patients and cared for more than 400 children who were newly diagnosed with cancer.
“When we talk about supporting CCBD, events like this go far beyond treating just the cancer. The philanthropy behind this event helps support programs and resources that care for the whole child and the whole family.
“That includes behavioral health services, financial assistance, and then programs like Camp Rainbow, which is a camp in Williams in the summertime that supports kids ages 7 to 17 who have gone through or are going through cancer treatment. So, it’s really a holistic approach to treatment for these kids who are unfortunately going through dark times.”
For the 4-year-old Yachtzilla, the night is about more than entertainment. The gig is about honoring Lake.
“It’s our way of being able to keep him in our hearts,” Feldman said. “He was a major player in the Arizona world of bands and musicians. We just don’t want him to be forgotten.”
