MORE PICS FROM THE BENEFIT CONCERT

One last thank you to Norwalk's Subway on Main Avenue, who donated two platters of delicious sandwiches, which helped feed the masses.

Here are a few more pictures...

SHEILA MAKING SURE TICKETS ARE READY



THANKS TO ALL OUR DONORS
FOR MAKING THE RAFFLE A SUCCESS

KIDS JUST HAVING FUN

FUTURE SINGER TOO??
VIOLET, KAREN'S DAUGHTER



FAMILY OF SINGERS - HERE'S DEBBIE
AND HER DAUGHTER KAREN

GAIL & ANDREW HURLEY FROM CT-NEWS12



THE GRATE ESCAPE

SLO-PEAKE ROCKING IT OUT
WITH A FOO FIGHTERS JAM



HIGHWAY 49

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!!

Thanks so much to everyone who showed up for the benefit concert Sunday night -- it was a great success!  AND, there are so many people to thank...

First, thanks to Norwalk's Black Bear Saloon for the space and donating among other things, the hot food and banner.  Thanks to their awesome staff, particularly the bar backs who ran around setting things up so we could start on time - and kept things moving throughout the night. 

BIG THANKS to Scott White (http://whitehouseproductions.net/) and his crew Chris Ramos and David Petty for providing the sound.  To say they were totally professional, down to earth and worked great with all the musicians, is an understatement.  It couldn't have sounded better or ran smoother.  David might remember me as I was taking photos of the musicians from all angles.  I even took a picture of the sound board!!  But go figure, unfortunately I didn't take a picture of Chris or David.  Sorry about that guys...but thank you!!

WHO TAKES A PICTURE OF A DIGITAL MIXER?
I DO.

Next, special thanks to our musical guests for donating their time and putting on an awesome show: Slo-Peake (look for a link in the near future), The Other Band (http://www.reverbnation.com/theotherbandct), The Grate Escape (up and coming young band) and Highway 49 (their latest reunion).  You guys and gals really showed up and everyone I spoke to said you did an amazing job.

Special thanks also goes out to the following people: our gal pals Sheila and Gail for setting up the raffle displays and hanging out till the raffle portion was said and done.  These girls were tired, and yet they stuck by their post hard at work without a whimper or complaint.  XOXO, we really appreciate your time!  And let's not forget Kyle, who pitched in at the end when it came time to announcing the raffle winners.  AND thanks to Ted Lin who deserves a special award, for sitting ALL NIGHT by the entrance greeting guests.  I know he had a few partners helping out like, Patty, Gary and Dave, but Ted hung by the door so long, I had to shoo him away and close up shop.

Surprise of the night was a visit from Andrew Hurley of Connecticut News12, who videotaped parts of the event.  The segment aired that very same night!  The clip contains an interview of Ron and you can see/hear Slo-Peake perform.  The segment was also picked up by New Haven's WTNH (according to Ron's mom Louise) and aired the next day.

Ron and I can't even begin to tell you how grateful we are for everyone's time,  energy, and especially support (and I'm not talking about the monetary support).  We couldn't have done it without you, and to prove it, one final thank you.  To Chef George...

Thank You Chef George of Gardone's Deli in Norwalk.  Despite losing a member of his family, Chef George generously and graciously donated a gift certificate for the raffle.  It's that kind of spirit that makes things happen in our local communities.  Let's keep these small businesses prospering.  Visit his deli and Facebook page for details: (https://www.facebook.com/gardonesdeli).  

And now, the first batch of pictures...



BANNER DONATED BY BLACK BEAR



THANKS BLACK BEAR SALOON FOR SUPPLYING THE HOT FOOD



DEBBIE, HIGHWAY 49's BASSIST - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

HIGHWAY 49 STARTING OFF THE NIGHT

GREAT GUYS (THE FRENEMIES)

VOTED THE CUTEST COUPLE OF THE NIGHT

THE CROWD ARRIVED!

OUR YOUNGEST GROUPIES

HUGE THANKS TO TED LIN FOR TAKING ON THE FRONT DOOR ALL NIGHT!!!
THERE'S PATTY TOO PITCHING IN

JIMMY -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO!!



SLO-PEAKE -- THEY TOTALLY ROCKED IT!

NOT GOING TO THE BENEFIT CONCERT??

Not going to the concert?  We'll miss you!!!  Well don't let that stop you from donating, below are some details:

Checks can be mailed to:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

Or visit the following link for more information: https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/
And, don't forget to ask your employers to match your financial donations.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you can't monetarily donate at this time, please consider the following options:

1.  Volunteer at a school;
2.  Put together your own fundraiser (remember, some companies are eager to donate for an auction/raffle);
3.  Volunteer at someone else's fundraiser;
4.  Knit/crochet something or make some baked goods for a school function;
5.  Help out at a local church or soup kitchen;
6.  Thank teachers, cross-guards and tutors for their time...

There are TONS! of ways to show your support.

Families who have gone through a traumatizing experience appreciate the compassion shown by others.  The simple willingness to lend a hand or share a smile goes a long way.

Thanks for all your support.

A DRIVE THROUGH NEWTOWN, CT

First, I want to thank the below companies who generously contributed towards our upcoming benefit concert:

Rizzuto's Restaurant, Westport Ct

Stop & Shop, Milford CT

Stonebridge Restaurant, Milford CT

Villa Gourmet, Milford CT

SBC Restaurant, Milford CT

B.J. Ryan's, Norwalk CT

River View Bistro, Stratford CT

Darien Social, Darien CT

Mario's Place, Westport CT

Erica K's, Darien CT

Red Door Spa, Darien CT

For our silent auction, we received a special donation from the Patina Restaurant Group in New York City.  The Patina Restaurant Group owns various establishments in New York, including Brasserie, La Fonda Del Sol, The Beer Bar and The Sea Grill in Rockefeller Center.  They also own the Panevino Ristorante in New Jersey.  These are just a few of the extraordinary landmark locations, where one lucky winner will have a dining experience.

Thanks to everyone for your donations!  We are now five days away from the big event and are very excited to see this all come together. 

One final thought...

Ron and I took a drive through Newtown this weekend and were overwhelmed by all we saw: personalized stars hung on every tree and light pole in the town with messages of love, hope and strength; decorated miniature christmas trees symbolizing each child, and a sign hung over a bridge with tons of signatures from folks in Tuscon, AZ.  We truly all care.

Thanks again for your support.

9 DAYS & COUNTING

So we're 9 days away from the big event!  Let me know if you're coming (be nice to get a general headcount). We've gotten a lot of support from the CT locals and even a gift card from a restaurant in New York!  That one will definitely be part of our silent auction.

I just realized I've been holding my breath since this thing started...lots of work but well worth it.  But the one who deserves the credit is my husband who, despite a personal setback, has not veered one second from trying his best to make this benefit concert as successful as possible.  His dedication and drive has been unbelievable.

Not sure if anyone has been viewing this site (hate to think I've been "talking" to myself), but I'd like to say thanks in advance for your support and sending out the word.  I'll be posting pictures soon, and of course many from the event.

Best...

THANK YOU MICKY DOLENZ!!

Just got word that Micky Dolenz (famously of the Monkees) posted our event on his Facebook page (as well as his Twitter page):

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Micky-Dolenz/19721149169

Micky is currently appearing in Hairspray In Concert" on January 25, 26 and 27 in Baltimore.  If you're in the area, please go see this amazing show.

Thank you Micky for your generosity!

FOLKS ARE PITCHING IN

We are so greatful for all those who have so far provided gift certificates for the 50/50 raffle and the silent auction.  Just to name a few:

Fat Cat Pie Company - Norwalk, CT

La Moda Fashion - Fairfield, CT

Bobby Q's - Westport, CT

Home Depot - Stratford, CT

Bridge House - Milford, CT

Mansion Clam House - Westport, CT

Milford Photo - Milford, CT

The Sitting Duck Tavern - Stratford, CT

Tinto Bar Tapas - Norwalk, CT

We will have have more listed here in the coming days, as well as any updates.

Thank you all for your donations and support!

HAND IN HAND WE STAND with SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Black Bear Saloon & Ron Mason Present A Benefit Concert All Proceeds Go To Sandy Hook School Support Fund Cover: $20.00 (includes complimentary appetizers & drink special) Date: January 27, 2013 (Snow date February 10, 2013) Location: Black Bear Saloon (203-299-0711) 80 Washington Street, Norwalk , CT 06854 Time: 3:00pm – 8:00pm **There will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction** Performances By: *The Other Band (World’s Smallest Quartet) *Highway 49 *Slo-Peake *The Grate Escape