Bend, Ore. – On its first outing, the evening of big band music and nostalgia presented by the Tower Theatre Foundation on Veterans Day 2014 featuring the Notables Swing Band raised $4,000, including an anonymous $1,500 challenge from two local supporters of the group. Donations, collected by members of the Redmond Junior Navy ROTC during the sold-out November 11 show, will be split between Caring for Troops and Band of Brothers.
Dianne Brock is a founding member of Caring for Troops, formed in 2003 to support every military member deployed outside the United States with ties to Central Oregon. “Now that the Oregon Guards are deployed overseas, our postage alone is over $1,000 a month,” said Brock. “The $2,000 from the Notables benefit ensures troops from Central Oregon will receive ‘Care Packages’ for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.”
Thomas Marple is vice president of the Bend Band of Brothers, known for sending two WWII vets on Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. each year. “This $2,000 will go a long way in helping us continue our service to the veterans’ community,” observed Marple. “You never know who is going to walk in the door: a veteran threatened with eviction due to failure to pay rent; one who is broke and can’t afford his medicine; another in danger of having his electricity cut off during a cold snap.”
Sponsors of the Veterans Day event included Miller Lumber, Starbucks, Consolidated Towing, Jake’s Diner, Bend Honda, Kirby Nagelhout Construction, and Bend Therapeutic Associates.
Ray Solley, executive director of the Tower, announced this unique and all-local Veterans Day program will return on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.
The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic stage in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading performing arts organization, providing cultural and education programs that make an essential contribution to Central Oregon’s lifestyle and strengthen the community. Membership, program information and individual and group tickets are available at the box office (835 NW Wall), by phone (541-317-0700) or online (www.towertheatre.org). Details on events are also at facebook.com/TheTowerTheatre.
