Jerry Vigorito, one of the founders of the musical group Band Together, has been involved in a number of very successful charitable events over the last few years. In fact, Band Together is preparing for another fundraiser later this month which promises to Rock the House in Fairfield. It's something Vigorito and the members of the group are very much looking forward to.Vigorito, a 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School, said that helping others is rewarding and gratifying. "I find that I get very down if I am not concentrating on the concerns of others less fortunate," said the Fairfield resident. "My problems and situations seem to take care of themselves when I devote myself to service work. (In the last few years) we have passed $100,000 in funds raised for charities. Plus it's fun!"
Members of Band Together were invited by United States Congressman Christopher Shays to discuss the upcoming music event scheduled for September 25th at Fairfield Theatre Company Stage One. Rock the House will feature musicians of local and national acclaim to benefit The Pilot House Special Needs Resource Foundation.
“It gives me great pleasure to join in the enthusiasm for Band Together’s compassionate work," wrote Shays in a letter to Vigorito and Rob Fried (AWHS Class of 1977), co-founders of Band Together. "Your achievements have benefited individuals and their families as well as inspired people to come together for the betterment of the communities."
Shays added, "Your work in bringing together musicians has meant a great deal to organizations and individuals such as Habitat for Humanity, The Connecticut Burn Care Foundation, The Pilot House, and Gianna Sarica (a young Fairfield girl) and her family. Band Together’s devotion to music as an instrument to helping those in need is an inspiration for all of us.”
The Pilot House provides programs and resources for families raising children who have developmental disabilities. Its mission is to enrich, empower, and embrace families striving to restore balance in their lives.
"Parents with special needs kids have a special kind of love," said Vigorito when talking about the upcoming event. "In all our shows, most involving children's causes, I am most moved by the parents and the way they love their kids. I witnessed this with the Pilot House parents, and that is why we are raising money to send as many as 20 kids to the program."
The show promises to be outstanding, according to Vigorito. "We have attracted not only great talent, but the professional people involved in staging the event is mind-boggling," he admitted. "Ron Kovis (Class of 1977) is our creative director, and he brought us the graphic talent pool from New York City.
"In addition, one of the most respected entertainment producers in the industry was at our last show and has volunteered his services for our upcoming shows. Rob and I had taken it as far as we were capable of doing. Now it's like getting the world's best coaches to take us to the Olympics."
Band Together's vision is to create great musical events that raise people's spirits and are fun to attend. Its goal is to unite a community of talented local musicians with people and organizations interested in raising funds for families in need of a helping hand.
So, how and why did Vigorito originally get involved in helping others? "About three years ago I received a call from my bandmate and bass player Rob Fried (Class of '77) suggesting we organize a show and raise a little money for the local Habitat for Humanity Youth Project," he told me.
"We rented the Grange in Weston, printed tickets, set up chairs, served apple pie and ice cream, and put on an Evening of Blues and Gospel featuring the legendary Georgia Lewis along with a number of guess musicians and singers."
Vigorito said it was a big hit. "Everyone loved it," he said. "From there we moved to the FTC Stage One in Fairfield, got better organized, (produced) a broader talent pool, and we never looked back. We have sold out five shows, all for various charities, and it appears September 25 we will do the same."
Vigorito, who has two college daughters, Sammy and Tori, said two recent events won't soon be forgotten. "The concert for Gianna (Sarica) was a life-changer for so many people, especially her," he stated. "Putting her on my shoulders in triumph at the end of the show signified we had won over her life-threatening disease," he added.
"A lot of people worked very hard on that show, and I became overwhelmed with the attention that the two of us got. Being involved with that little girl saved many lives in the process." Over $30,000 was raised to benefit 10-year old Gianna and her family to help defray her enormous medical expenses. Since then, the Fairfield girl has miraculously recovered against tremendous odds.
Band Together was also recognized at the state capitol. "Being honored by Govenor Rell was another great moment," he said. "Afterward, Rob and I were dazed by the realization of how much this meant for the future of Band Together."
Jerry Vigorito and Band Together are an inspiration for all of us. Their dedication and service to others are to be admired. Please support them as they Rock the House and perform later this month in Fairfield. Congratulations, Jerry, from the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976.Paul
For more information about the band and upcoming concerts, visit http://www.jerryvigorito.com
Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.
Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.
Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".
No comments:
Post a Comment