BACKSTAGE CREW HELPS LOCAL NATIONAL GUARD UNIT ON KATRINA RESCUE MISSION
Barb LaPierre of TV Middletown is chairing a group of local entertainment-oriented people “to help the helpers” on duty in the Hurricane Katrina rescue operations along the Gulf Coast.
The Backstage Crew, as the effort is being called, will collect cash or gift cards for grocery stores, general merchandise stores or gasoline to help support our Middletown National Guard 324th Military Police unit recently called back to duty to help in the recovery operations. Troops in the unit, who spent many months on active duty in Iraq, had begun to put their civilian lives back together only to be redeployed for an American emergency.
While these troops are on active duty, their families often suffer from a loss of income from their regular jobs, additional expenses and stress. The Backstage Crew hopes to not only relieve some of the financial strain, but also show that the sacrifices are appreciated, according to LaPierre.
It was decided to enlist the aid of the local entertainment people as well as the general public because those presenting festivals, shows and concerts certainly understand the critical importance of backstage operations. The success of what happens on stage is due to the support from behind the scenes. Therefore, it is fitting that we in the entertainment/event/attraction group support the back stage operations that allow our representatives in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina to do their job.
Anyone wishing to assist with this part of the mission is asked to drop off cash, gift cards or checks made to:
American Savings – Backstage Crew. Collection points are at the Middletown Art Center at 130 N Verity Parkway, and American Savings Banks at 4455 Roosevelt Blvd. and 701 N University Blvd.
Those in the entertainment/event group are asked to bring donations of cash or gift cards to the event manager meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 4-6 pm at the Middletown Art Center or leave donations at the center’s information desk, clearly marked for Backstage Crew Relief Fund.
For more information contact Barb LaPierre at TV Middletown 727-3000 or Ann Mort, Middletown CVB, at 422-3030.
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