Dance and Culture Group Germania Almrausch of Poughkeepsie planned Sunday's fundraiser for GJ Doedee, one of the group's most active members and dancers.

The bands played for free as local businesses donated gift cards and beer to raffle off. A GoFundMe page for donations from people who could not make it, hit its goal long before Sunday afternoon's event.

"They've worked hard to get me where I am," Doedee said. "I feel like I owe it to them to be the best person I can be."

On Halloween, a truck hit Doedee head-on while he rode his motorcycle on Barrett Drive in New Windsor, less than a mile from his home.

His femur and tibia were both broken, and four of his teeth were knocked out. His face needed to be partly rebuilt from broken eye sockets, broken cheek bones, and a broken nose.

Back then, no one expected Doedee to be walking three months later.

"Ever since then, I have had nothing but good news," Doedee said. "I've basically been told that all my bones and body breaks will all heal and my eyesight has come back."

Thousands raised through Sunday's event are going to help Doedee fill in some gaps. Even though he is insured, there are copays and travel expenses that add up.

"There is still a long road to go still until life gets back to the way it was, the day before the accident," said Doedee's friend and event organizer Karen Rose.

His girlfriend was also in attendance.

"Everybody has been unbelievable," said Doedee's girlfriend Beverly Orser.

Doedee can already do some light dancing. He is also working again after a two-month hiatus. The information technology consultant replaced his laptop that was mangled in the crash so he can work from home.

Doedee said he's grateful for the funds, but more grateful for his family of dancers and musicians who have shortened his recovery time.

"It's the people coming out and shaking my hand and saying 'How are you?,' and the friendship and the family aspect," Doedee said. "I derive great support from that."