Local Weekend Concert to Benefit Veterans

by Sarah Steighner

A day of music featuring bands, such as the rock-n-roll band “The Clarks,” is set to take place Saturday at the Belmont Complex in East Franklin Township in an effort to fundraise for military veterans.

The fundraiser is being put on by the non-profit organization Operation Bandage Heal the Wounds. Their organization’s mission is to support veterans with their general needs.

As one of the coordinators for this event, Steve Heffner of Ford City is sympathetic towards supporting the veterans especially after his brother, Keith, died in the Vietnam War when he was 19 years old.

Heffner explained how his brother was honored in a Lower Burrell service last year, and it was while talking to the people there that he got the idea for this fundraising concert for the veterans.

“Talking to them, they were telling me that it’s hard for veterans who are suffering. So, they do everything they can to raise money and sometimes it’s small acts because they can only do so much but they can’t do a lot,” Heffner said.

This prompted Heffner to start planning a veteran fundraiser on a larger scale in the form of a concert. Heffner described how it has been a community venture to plan this fundraising event.

“It’s basically been a team effort, as far as trying to get all of the Armstrong Veterans VFW posts involved with this. We have corporate sponsors that have helped support it and other people in general,” Heffner said.

Some of the local sponsors include the Kittanning Elks, S&T Bank, Rosebud Mining Company, the Snyder Charitable Foundation, Ford City Eagles #606 and other various VFW posts, churches, and businesses.

Kathy Rashlich, assistant at the Armstrong County Veterans Affairs office, is also on the committee to plan Mission Operation Bandage Heal the Wounds. She explained that while her office helps veterans get in contact with services that will help them obtain benefits, this fundraiser is to benefit other services that provide more direct services to veterans.

“The benefit is for more private groups that have a little more leeway in what they are able to do with their funding,” Rashlich said.

The musical aspect of the show will continue for 12 hours - from 10AM to 10PM.

Live bands will start to play at 2PM, including musical performances from five bands.

Local Alternative Rock band Aliantis will play at 2PM, featuring Brett Cogley, Jeff Stouffer, and Kyle Dippold.

Performing at 3PM will be Scott Grill, followed by Dave Hipchen at 4 PM.

Jazz band Heffner and Heffner, hailing from Ford City and consisting of Joe Renda, Vincent Sims, Butch Thomas, Stan Heffner and Katt Hefner – Steve’s brother and sister -, will be bringing their energy and experience as they play starting at 6PM.

The Clarks, which began at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 1986, will take the stage at 8PM as they stop in Kittanning along their summer tour route.

Also scheduled to make an appearance are Miss Armstrong County Anna Oberneder and Miss Armstrong County Outstanding Teen Madison Kunst - both of whom will be singing the Star Spangled Banner, amongst other musical selections.

Tickets may be purchased ahead of time at the Ford City VFW #4843, S&T Bank in Ford City, or online. However, tickets will also be available at the door on Saturday. Tickets cost $20 and an additional $5 will be charged for stage floor area seating.

Proceeds will be shared amongst the AVA (American Veterans Alliance), DVA (Disabled Veterans of America), and Wounded Warriors of PA.

While parking is available at the Belmont Complex for the event, a free shuttle to the Complex will be provided for those who park at the former Foodland located at the Hilltop Plaza.

Doors will open at 9AM at the Belmont Complex in East Franklin Township.

WTYM AM 1380 radio will broadcast live as the event kicks off from 10AM until Noon. Hosted by David Croyle, there will be games on location and chances to win tickets from various amusement parks across Western Pennsylvania including Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild, and also Waldameer in Erie. Some contestants may also win admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. In addition to listening locally on the 1,000-watts of AM radio, the station is also available on smartphones via a free downloadable app from the app store. Search for wtym radio.

 

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