Although Dewey Palooza is a benefit for a family in need, the evening of music and food planned for Sept. 29 may feel more like a big party.

All the performers are friends of the family – musicians who have sung with Larry Dewey for years, showcased by him at Seabold Second Saturday events.

“Pat and Larry Dewey have contributed so much to our community,” Bruce Haedt says, “teaching our children, organizing arts events, being our friends.

“We want to give them a gift of celebration and joy.”

Larry, a systems analyst, has produced the Seabold Second Saturday series for six years. Pat Dewey is a science teacher and co-director, with Joan Gillanders, of Island Children’s Montessori School. They have raised six children in their 25 years on the island.

Ten months ago, though, it seemed that the Deweys’ productive life together had come to an abrupt and shattering end.

It was Dec. 26, and Pat and her mother were headed on back roads to Silverdale to exchange Christmas gifts, when a freightliner truck swerved into their lane, hitting them head on.

“His right front brake failed,” Larry Dewey says, “and he rode right up over the frame of the car and put the engine in Patty’s lap and the steering wheel almost through her.”

Her mother suffered broken bones and crushed vertebrae.

Patty Dewey spent weeks in a coma at Harborview, her survival uncertain.

When she did wake, it was to the realization that it would be a long road back.

“I kept thinking it was a dream, I would wake up and things would be normal,” Pat Dewey says, “but it never happened.”

Friends rallied around, with food, carpooling kids, grocery shopping and keeping the injured woman company.

Pat was in and out of Harborview with setbacks and operations, but has begun to walk again with the help of a walker.

Ongoing physical therapy is painful and expensive, however.

A week before the accident, Larry Dewey started a new job as a corporate systems analyst for Washington Mutual.

Although he was not yet eligible for insurance, the company enrolled him retroactively.

“They told me, ‘take all the time off you need, take care of your family,’” Larry says. “They have been marvelous. They’re a fantastic company to work for.”

Insurance only paid a portion of the bills, though.

“It’s been tight,” Larry says. “Besides the bills, we lost half our income.”

Even so, the first time Donna Dahlquist, a family friend and Helpline worker, suggested a benefit, Larry said no.

“I told her, ‘We don’t need any help, we’re fine,’” he says. “I was reluctant. I guess it was a little embarrassing.”

The second time, Dahlquist “wised up,” Dewey says.

“She told me, ‘Lots of people love you and want to help, so why don’t you say thank you and shut up.’”

Dahlquist, Sue Hylen of the Bainbridge Island Park District and Shelly Shepherd worked out details. A full slate of musicians signed on for the evening’s entertainment.

While the road back isn’t without potholes, the Deweys both agree that the experience has brought them closer.

“The blessing within the curse,” Larry says, “is that it’s strengthened us as a family.”

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The Dewey Palooza Benefit and Celebration, an evening of music, with dinner and auction sponsored by Bainbridge Island Park District, will be held 5-10 p.m. Sept. 29 at Island Center Hall. Suggested donation is $20. Call 842-2306 or 842-7621.

For those who wish to donate directly, checks can be mailed or dropped off to: The Patricia Dewey Fund, American Marine Bank, 249 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island 98110.