February 24, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT
Johnette Isham, Executive Director, Realize Bradenton
941-350-8563 § [email protected]
Bradenton Farmers’ Market Honors Veterans with
“Veterans Appreciation Days”
March 1 and 22 § 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
As part of the Legacy of Valor, a campaign of The Patterson Foundation, a dozen organizations that support veterans and their families will be showcased and music by blues vocalist and Army veteran, Jesse Yawn, will be provided by the Del Couch Music Education Foundation.
(Bradenton, FL) As part of The Legacy of Valor, a campaign of The Patterson Foundation, Realize Bradenton will team up with the Suncoast Food Alliance to provide “Veterans Appreciation Days,” March 1 and 22, at the downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Old Main Street. A dozen organizations that provide services to veterans and their families will be set up on 4th Street West from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including Manasota Operation Troop Support, The Patterson Foundation’s Legacy of Valor Campaign, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Manasota Industries, CareerSource Suncoast, USF Sarasota-Manatee, Turning Points, State College of Florida, Del Couch Music Education Foundation, SCORE, and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
Sponsored by the Del Couch Music Education Foundation, the popular local blues singer and Army veteran, Jesse Yawn, will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 4th Street West joined by his musician friends. Born in Florida in 1937, Yawn cut his musical teeth on gospel music for years before turning to the blues and working with such greats as Jack McDuff, George Benson, Grant Green and Albert King. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962 and earned a lead vocalist spot with the 77th Army Band, performing at military and civilian functions. At both Veterans Appreciation Days, the public is invited to pre-order a CD collection that Del Couch is producing of songs written and performed by soldiers, accompanied by their stories. The proceeds from the CD sales will be donated to area veterans’ organizations.
Bradenton’s mayor Wayne Poston says that, as a veteran of the Armed Services, he’s especially pleased that “these events will bring our community together to honor veterans, embrace freedom and inspire patriotism. We’re grateful to Realize Bradenton for coordinating this.”
At the Farmers’ Market, vendors who are veterans will be recognized by a tent banner reading “Thank you for your service.” Some of the vendors who are veterans include Bob Gould of Nautical Odyssey, Norm Whitlow of Greens on the Gro, Bob Jeanquart of B&J Enterprises-Wisconsin Cheeses, Moses Sheppard of Sheppard Farms, and Ann Howard of Howard Crafts.
“Realize Bradenton is proud to offer these market Veteran Appreciation Days, along with our other four musical events, that recognize and applaud the service and sacrifice all veterans and their families,” says Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton. “We are excited by the overwhelmingly positive response from the community, particularly for our grand finale, a USO-style show called ‘Stories of Valor’ on Saturday, April 12, at McKechnie Field.” (See event details below.)
Events Sponsored by Realize Bradenton
Bradenton Farmers’ Market
Veterans Appreciation Day
Saturdays, March 1 and 22; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans and their families at Veterans Appreciation Day with informational tables and music provided by the Del Couch Music Education Foundation. FREE.
www.BradentonFarmersMarket.com
Music in the Park
Pavilion at the Riverwalk
Wednesday, March 5; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Manatee Concert Band celebrates the Legacy of Valor Campaign to honor veterans, embrace freedom, and inspire patriotism at this lunch time concert. FREE.
www.RealizeBradenton.com
Music & Movie in the Park with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra
Pavilion at the Riverwalk
Friday, March 7; 6-10 p.m.
Get inspired with music honoring American war veterans with conductor Robyn Bell and the 60 outstanding musicians of the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. After the concert enjoy an outdoor classic movie, “Kelly’s Heroes.”Food and beverage is available for purchase. FREE.
www.RealizeBradenton.com
Music in the Park: The Second Time Arounders Marching Band
Pavilion at the Riverwalk
Friday, March 22; 7-8 p.m.
One of the largest adult marching bands in the world will get you in the spirit to honor veterans and their families. Lawn chairs and blanket are encouraged. Food and beverage is available for purchase. FREE.
www.RealizeBradenton.com
Stories of Valor: Honoring Veterans, Troops and their Families
A USO-Style Show at McKechnie Field
Saturday, April 12; Gates Open at 6 p.m.; show is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Honor our veterans and their families at this upbeat USO-style show. Directed by Rick Kirby, the creative director of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, this family-friendly, multi-media event includes a showcase of local musicians who are veterans, and musical and theatrical performances that take audiences through time with photos, films, and interviews projected on large screens. Tickets purchased in advance are $2 ($2 convenience fee) at http://www.manateeplayers.com/boxoffice or $2 with cash at the Manatee Performing Arts Center and McKechnie Field ticket offices. Tickets go on sale at McKechnie Field the day of the event at 5 p. m. for $8; cash only. Please bring items to send U.S. troops, including beef jerky, protein bars, and socks. Proceeds will benefit Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS).
www.RealizeBradenton.com
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About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous downtown Bradenton. For more information, visit: www.RealizeBradenton.com.
About Legacy of Valor
Legacy of Valor is a campaign of The Patterson Foundation that rallies our community to honor veterans, inspire patriotism and pass freedom on to others. A mosaic of community-driven partnerships will educate and focus the community to use time, talent and treasure to recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans and their families. For more information, please visit FreedomPassItOn.org.
