by Jim Collar
When the tornado touched down in Appleton and tore through the heart of Menasha on July 27, it left behind splintered trees, damaged homes, and shaken spirits. But in the days that followed, the silver lining appeared: Neighbors aided neighbors and friends reached out from near and far, seeking ways to help.
A couple of months have passed, but that spirit remains strong throughout the Fox Cities. It’ll take center stage on Oct. 3, when downtown Menasha transforms into a walkable, daylong celebration of the community’s resilience.
On October 3, the public is invited to Rally for the Valley, a community-led event to generate support for the continuing tornado recovery effort. The rally will feature an incredible music lineup and comedy from Charlie Berens while raising money for three local nonprofit organizations. It’s free to attend and aims to remind those rebuilding that they are not doing it alone.
The event was an idea of filmmaker and Neenah native Phil Johnston. It gained steam when Berens jumped in to help, along with Garbage drummer and famed record producer Butch Vig.
The premise was simple:
“Get a bunch of good friends together, put on a cool show and show up for a community that’s hurting,” Johnston said in a press release. “That’s still what Rally for the Valley is about.”
Johnston has an incredible group of good friends coming in to show their support.
The music lineup is stacked with national names and Wisconsin favorites, including Vig and Duke Erikson of Garbage, Soul Asylum, Fountains of Wayne, Max Collins of Eve 6, Cory Chisel, Freedy Johnston, Lolo, Kami, Rucksack Revolution, and Hang Ten.
But Rally for the Valley isn’t simply a concert. It’s a rally, a celebration, and an opportunity to show those affected that we have their backs.
Downtown Menasha will also host artists and makers, food and beverage vendors, family‑friendly activities, community storytelling, and nonprofits sharing resources.
The event’s organizing committee includes musicians, community organizers, and local leaders. They’re asking attendees to make financial contributions directly to any of three local nonprofit partners that have addressed different aspects of tornado recovery.
LEAVEN supports emergency and basic needs; Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity focuses on home repair and long‑term recovery; and Pillars works to ensure housing stability and shelter for those most affected.
Those who’ve experienced difficulties are encouraged to take advantage of the available support and to enjoy the performances. The event is offering complimentary $10 meal vouchers to those directly impacted and experiencing financial hardship as a result.
While admission is free, organizers encourage those planning to attend to RSVP at rallyforthevalleywi.com. The site also includes the schedule, donation links, a place for residents to share their stories, and more.
After experiencing such devastation, it’s an important opportunity to come together.
The community’s strength is worth celebrating, and the depth of the entertainment lineup highlights just how deep the support runs for those who experienced losses.
We’ve been reminded once again that community shines brightest in the darkest of moments.
This article was originally published in the October 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
