Guard Support Benefit Raises $6,500

John Walker, owner of Soulo Productions is a member of the Massachusetts National Guard, assigned to the 101 Field Artillery unit in Brockton, MA. John created a YouTube video of our Benefit - check it out.

A special thanks to Darlene Louf, founder of the Voices for the Troops Facebook page, Peter Kelley, owner of Murphy's Restaurant and Pub, Events for Rent, Pride Construction and Development, Friend Street Tickets, Phil Bissell (sports cartoonist) and all the businesses and individuals on the North Shore that donated raffle and door prizes.

We had a fabulous lineup of entertainment, thanks to Soulo Productions, which featured singer Darlene Louf, the band Slurred Vision, DJs Kevie Kev and Mikey B - Bearclaw Productions , Elvis impersonator "The Birdman", and Neil Diamond impersonator, Rich Kelly.

We accomplished our goal of building awareness about Guard Support and raising money for our Emergency Financial Relief program, which helps National Guard member families who are experiencing financial difficulties, often as a result of deployment.

To view photos of our Benefit, visit our Facebook page and click on the 'Fun Raiser' Salem photo album. Many thanks to our Don Hennessey for donating his photography talents to capture the spirit of our Benefit!

Media coverage:

Channel 5 WCVB - ABC Fundraiser Helps National Guard Families

Salem News Local Veteran Plans Benefit for Guardsmen

Salem Gazette The Price of Freedom

Salem Gazette Benefit for Guard Support planned in Salem