by Ruthann Baler
5/12/2010

Area musicians will come together on Saturday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Holliston VFW, 310 Woodland Street, to raise money for weekly care packages being sent to local troops serving overseas.

More than twenty musicians will perform acoustic blues, folk, rock and pop to support the American Legion’s Gulf 2 Fund, which has been sending care packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since the war began. The evening is being sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #14224. 

This year’s benefit will be kicked off with a teen concert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. which will feature singer-songwriters and cover bands. The event is family friendly and admission is through donations. Refreshments will be provided, there will be a cash bar, and raffle prizes include a brunch donated by the Crowne Plaza in Natick and a gift basket from Molly’s Apothecary in Holliston.

“The money raised through these concerts goes directly to the much- needed necessities and comforts from home that we send to our local troops each week,” said Holliston American Legion Commander Stephen Napolitano. “Not only are we able to send the troops what they need and miss from home, it’s the community’s way of letting them know we think of them every day and appreciate their many sacrifices.”

State Rep. Carolyn Dykema, who will speak at the benefit and serves on the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs said, “This will be a great day to come together as a community and help our troops while enjoying incredible local music from across MetroWest. We all have a role to play in supporting our soldiers, and by raising funds for their supplies we are showing them we stand behind them while they fight for our country.  It's an honor to be part of this event and to support the American Legion's Gulf 2 Fund.”

As As in the past, many musicians will donate their CDs toward the evening’s proceeds.  To listen to a sampling of some of the musicians, visit www.strikeachordmusicians.org.                                                                                                                                                    

About Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity:

Holliston-based Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity supports nonprofit organizations by raising money and awareness through music and concerts.  In addition to supporting the Gulf 2 Fund, Strike a Chord has raised money for School on Wheels of Massachusetts (sowma.org), the Home for Little Wanderers (thehome.org) and art Because Breast Cancer Foundation (artbecause.org).  To learn more about Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity, contact Ruthann Baler at rb@ruthannbaler.com, 781-254-7449, or visit www.strikeachordmusicians.org.