A fundraising benefit for a local musician who's been missing since last December generated some $3,000 last Saturday.

Penny Gleave, one of three primary organizers, said this week the money raised on behalf of David Gilmor was provided to his wife, Katherine Gilmor, to assist with financial obligations.

Not only was it a benefit financially, but also emotionally, as several Yukon bands and individuals turned out in support to play and assist in the fundraising, Gleave said.

'I'm thinking around $3,000 and another $1,500 in goods and services,' she said.

Gleave said those who were unable to attend but still want to make a donation can do so through a third-party trust account in the name of his wife at the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Scores of Yukon businesses, many from Main Street, assisted with donations, Gleave pointed out.

A particular thanks, she said, goes to the Yukon Inn for donating the Fireside Room, and to Superior Propane, Kal Tire, Midnight Sun Gallery and Gifts and Unitech for providing the setup and sound.

She said there were eight bands in all and several individuals who took turns at the open-mic after 1 a.m.

'I want to thank all the people.'

Gilmor's vehicle was found abandoned in early December at the rest area by the Yukon River Bridge south of Whitehorse. A ground and air search of the river and surrounding area turned up nothing.

Whitehorse RCMP Sgt. Frank Campbell said this week the file is still open.

The RCMP police plane does make a point of checking the area while it happens to be in the vicinity on other work, such as flying in and out of Whitehorse.

Gilmor is a longtime Whitehorse musician and radio host, as well as a music columnist.

Shortly before his disappearance, he had begun at job at the Coles book store that opened in the Chilkoot Centre area in late 2005.