The following was written by Rob Fried, a 1977 graduate of Andrew Warde High School and co-founder of Band Together CT. Rob and Jerry Vigorito (AWHS 1976) continue their tireless efforts to help families in need.
Five years ago Jerry Vigorito and I started a charity music organization, BAND TOGETHER CT, to “help Connecticut families one at a time.” We had a simple goal --- to create great musical events that are a lot of fun to attend and unite the community of talented musicians with individuals and organizations working together to raise funds funds for families in need of a helping hand.
The BAND TOGETHER CT organization has no staff nor fixed expenses beyond the nominal fees paid for musicians, theatre rental, and some small printing, marketing and administration expenses. We are proud to state that all additional funds raised from sponsorship money, ticket sales, ad revenue, raffle money, etc., goes directly to the beneficiary of each musical event. This low-cost model allows local charities to raise substantial funds and build closer relationships with their donors.
In pursuit of this goal, the first half of 2010 has been amazing for BAND TOGETHER CT. So far we have helped raise over $90,000 for charities, including the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund, Save The Children, Milford Hospital, and Dana Farber Cancer Center.
The second half of 2010 looks exciting with three shows planned at Fairfield Theatre. On September 30 we have Bobby Harden from the Blues Brothers and marimba/pan drummer Arthur Lipner joining us for a Margaritaville concert to benefit Pilot House and its programs for special needs children in Fairfield.
On October 21 we are partnering with Near & Far Aid to produce “One Night Band,” a 1970s-80s Dance Party featuring Christine Ohlman and Gisele Jackson to support its programs to reduce poverty in Fairfield Country. On December 1 we have John Oates from Hall & Oates joining us for a Rock, Soul and Survivorship concert to benefit Connecticut Challenge in building its new cancer survivorship center in Fairfield.
Public coverage of BAND TOGETHER CT has also resulted in recent accomplishments that are helping increase our impact. Last year The New York Times wrote a feature article - “Rock Band That Exists To Benefit Local Causes” - describing our aim of magnifying our community service impact by utilizing larger venues and marquis talent for our shows, while at the same time keeping our homey, down-to-earth, fun feel.
In March, Jerry and I were selected by the American Red Cross to receive its 2010 Heroes Award for Community Impact. In May we were selected to receive the 2010 Kochran Outstanding Citizen Award by the Bridgeport Dental Association.
Additionally, 2010 has been exciting in terms of the outstanding calibre of musicians that have embraced our cause and joined us on stage --- Rock legends Ronnie Spector and John Oates, blues legend Debbie Davies, Christine Ohlman, Gisele Jackson, Crispin Cioe, Bobby Harden, along with many stellar local musicians. This combination of artists along with predominately sold-out shows resulted in our receiving the “BEST OF THE GOLD COAST” for live music in 2009 and 2010.
On behalf of Jerry Vigorito, myself, the wonderful musicians and supportive staff volunteers, all of whom share the BAND TOGETHER CT vision, I thank you for your support. If you would like information about our upcoming shows please visit www.bandtogetherct.com.
Best regards,
Rob Fried
Five years ago Jerry Vigorito and I started a charity music organization, BAND TOGETHER CT, to “help Connecticut families one at a time.” We had a simple goal --- to create great musical events that are a lot of fun to attend and unite the community of talented musicians with individuals and organizations working together to raise funds funds for families in need of a helping hand.The BAND TOGETHER CT organization has no staff nor fixed expenses beyond the nominal fees paid for musicians, theatre rental, and some small printing, marketing and administration expenses. We are proud to state that all additional funds raised from sponsorship money, ticket sales, ad revenue, raffle money, etc., goes directly to the beneficiary of each musical event. This low-cost model allows local charities to raise substantial funds and build closer relationships with their donors.
In pursuit of this goal, the first half of 2010 has been amazing for BAND TOGETHER CT. So far we have helped raise over $90,000 for charities, including the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund, Save The Children, Milford Hospital, and Dana Farber Cancer Center.
The second half of 2010 looks exciting with three shows planned at Fairfield Theatre. On September 30 we have Bobby Harden from the Blues Brothers and marimba/pan drummer Arthur Lipner joining us for a Margaritaville concert to benefit Pilot House and its programs for special needs children in Fairfield.
On October 21 we are partnering with Near & Far Aid to produce “One Night Band,” a 1970s-80s Dance Party featuring Christine Ohlman and Gisele Jackson to support its programs to reduce poverty in Fairfield Country. On December 1 we have John Oates from Hall & Oates joining us for a Rock, Soul and Survivorship concert to benefit Connecticut Challenge in building its new cancer survivorship center in Fairfield.
Public coverage of BAND TOGETHER CT has also resulted in recent accomplishments that are helping increase our impact. Last year The New York Times wrote a feature article - “Rock Band That Exists To Benefit Local Causes” - describing our aim of magnifying our community service impact by utilizing larger venues and marquis talent for our shows, while at the same time keeping our homey, down-to-earth, fun feel.
In March, Jerry and I were selected by the American Red Cross to receive its 2010 Heroes Award for Community Impact. In May we were selected to receive the 2010 Kochran Outstanding Citizen Award by the Bridgeport Dental Association.
Additionally, 2010 has been exciting in terms of the outstanding calibre of musicians that have embraced our cause and joined us on stage --- Rock legends Ronnie Spector and John Oates, blues legend Debbie Davies, Christine Ohlman, Gisele Jackson, Crispin Cioe, Bobby Harden, along with many stellar local musicians. This combination of artists along with predominately sold-out shows resulted in our receiving the “BEST OF THE GOLD COAST” for live music in 2009 and 2010.
On behalf of Jerry Vigorito, myself, the wonderful musicians and supportive staff volunteers, all of whom share the BAND TOGETHER CT vision, I thank you for your support. If you would like information about our upcoming shows please visit www.bandtogetherct.com.
Best regards,
Rob Fried
No comments:
Post a Comment