Help Carla Fight Parkinson's
Donation protected
Help Carla Fight Parkinson’s
A Personal Appeal From Craig Roberts
General Manager - KCEA Big Band Radio
President - Swing Street Radio (Swing & Big Band Preservation Society, Inc.)
My love of music from the Art Deco period began as a kid listening to my dad’s Zenith record player and that passion followed me into my first job in radio. As a broadcaster, I’ve had the privilege of working with many fine Bay Area artists, including Ernie Heckscher, Del Courtney, and Turk Murphy. But hands down my most favorite: Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.
I first worked with the band on a New Year’s Eve radio special in the 1980s, and was introduced to another incredible musical talent- the orchestra’s classy and vivacious vocalist, Carla Normand. If many consider the RSJO the ‘reincarnation’ of Paul Whiteman’s famous orchestra, then I had just met the current-day standard bearer of Connee Boswell! Just listen to Carla’s treatment of the Boswell Sisters hit “Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia” and tell me Carla Normand isn’t somehow channeling Connee! Both on and off stage, Carla is the epitome of style and grace.
Those familiar with Carla will attest that her music brings great joy and delight to thousands, and her soaring vocals can lift the spirits of even the most burdened listener. Early in her career, Carla took music lessons, studied the work of period vocalists, and like many determined performers, had to fight to achieve her dreams.
But today, Carla Normand is engaged in a different battle. Recently, this talented performer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. PD is a degenerative condition associated with motor skills, and the National Institutes of Health estimate that it affects over one million Americans. While no cure for PD is known, treatment can reduce the effects of the symptoms- but to be effective, treatments must be explored. And in today’s inflationary medical environment, that also means costly.
Over the years Carla’s music has lifted the spirits of many — and now it is our turn to help lift Carla’s spirits. Your donation today will assist Carla with timely treatments and other healthcare related expenses, and help ease the financial burden.
Despite the fight she faces, Carla is approaching this challenge with her typical resilience and grace. I know there are many of us who love Carla and her music. If you want to help in her fight against PD -- this fundraiser is our chance!
I urge you to generously donate whatever amount you might be able to contribute. Thanks for caring -- and Carla, thanks for all these years of wonderful music, and your fans look forward to many more!
Craig Roberts
General Manager - KCEA Big Band Radio
President - Swing Street Radio (Swing & Big Band Preservation Society, Inc.)
Please share this message with anyone who may like to contribute to Carla's campaign!
Or send check to:
Carla Normand
Post Office Box 750663
Petaluma, CA 94975
www.rsjo.com
Organizer
Carla Normand
Organizer
Petaluma, CA
