Concert To Benefit Wounded Veterans

The John W. Engeman Theater is pleased to announce that it will be the hosting venue for a benefit concert that will take place on Sunday, September 28^th, from 7:30 -9:30 pm. The concert is being held by the Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in conjunction with the Fairway Foundation, their 501c3 not-for-profit arm, and other not for profits, to benefit their VeteransHomeGiveaway.org initiative.

To date, The Fairway Foundation has given away 22 mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan in the last 20 months nationally.  On Long Island, 2 homes will be awarded to Purple Heart veteran recipients wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan through the joint efforts of the Office of the Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, and the Fairway Foundation.

 The concert will feature a musical performance by “You Should Be Dancin,” The Bee Gees Tribute show performed by Peter Mazzeo & The Hit Squad. On a more poignant note, a highlight of the program will be a performance of  “The Reason I Breathe, “ an original song to be presented by the winner of Fairway’s Veteran Idol Search. According to Rosemarie Kluepfel of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp., “We hope to bring attention to the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that many of our returning veterans endure.”

Open auditions were held in August in search of a veteran to sing the song, Ms. Kluepfel explained. “We are so honored to announce that the winner will be singing the finale at the concert. 100% of all proceeds from the events and sale of the song will go towards the home give-away locally.”

The John W. Engeman Theater’s founder and owner, Mr. Kevin O’Neill, believes that his theater is the perfect location for this important benefit concert. “Our theater is named after my brother-in-law, who served our nation on active duty for over twenty-eight years. He was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Hurricane Andrew relief, Kosovo/Bosnia Peacekeeping, an assignment in Nigeria and to Operation Iraqi Freedom.  At the time of his death, John was serving on the Military Transition Team assisting the Iraqi people. He grew up in East Northport, and loved this area. And, he died a hero. It’s only fitting that our theater should serve as the home for a benefit to provide necessary housing and support for our veterans who return home in need of our help.”

The price of a ticket is $75, and seats are filling up quickly. To purchase tickets, please call the Theater’s Box office at (631) 261-2900. The John W. Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main Street,Northport, NY, 11768.