MOVE! to the Blues for the Fisher House - 05-31-09
On May 31, the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania partnered with the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s MOVE! team (Managing Overweight and obesity in Veterans and Employees) , hosting an afternoon of blues entertainment in an effort to raise money toward the construction of a Fisher House, while raising community awareness of the need to be active. A Fisher House, to be built at the University Drive division of the VA, is a home away from home, a place for veterans and their family members to stay during a veteran’s intensive medical care
Three popular blues bands of Pittsburgh donated their time and talent. A special thanks to: Bubs McKeg - Navy veteran, winner of the Western PA Blues Society IBC Competition; Shot O' Soul; featuring Jim Franciscus, navy veteran; Ms. Freddye and Blue Faze; winners of the West Virginia Blues Society IBC Competition, featuring Chris Nacy, air force veteran (Ms. Freddye Stover and John Erskine of Blue Faze are employees of VA Pittsburgh) who donated their time for the cause. We also thank the Lawrenceville Moose who generously opened their doors free of charge. The Lawrenceville VFW bought, prepared, and served food with all proceeds benefiting Fisher House.
Community partnerships were formed. Many organizations, restaurants, salons, sport venues, and cultural venues donated admission tickets, memberships, gift certificates and baskets toward a Chinese auction.
Event admission, 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, food sales, and miscellaneous contributions resulted in a total donation of $2,147.00.
The MOVE! team and the Blues Society have been asked to continue partnership, providing a similar venue in various parts of the city. Tentatively, a late summer event and early fall event will be considered.
| BLUES IS A HEALER TOUR - 11-11-08 |
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BLUES IS A HEALER TOUR - BSWPA ENTERTAINS AREA’S VETERANS - A plan to show appreciation to our local veterans began to formulate on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2007. It was met with overwhelming support by the Society and by the local Blues musicians. The first stop on the tour, December 23, took our traveling assortment of players, fans, well-wishers, volunteers, and family members to the Highland Drive VA Medical Center. >> Read More |