A musical benefit for the victims of a May tornado that hit Reading helped raise more than $1,500 for the cause, an event organizer said Monday.

Manuel Rodriguez, a Lawrence resident, helped organize a musical benefit on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lawrence that included a prize drawing, food and drink, and several musical acts.

Proceeds went to the Reading Community Development Fund and were distributed through the Emporia Community Foundation.

Donations to the fund can be sent to the Emporia Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1337, Emporia, KS 66801-1337.