Help Local Entertainers After Hurricane Ian

Their entertainment has brought much enjoyment to US over the past decades, but now THEY need our help! When Hurricane Ian ravaged SW Florida, these 5 performers/musicians took a direct hit, as they watched their homes and in some cases, their music business, become irreparably damaged. FEMA and insurance can't begin to cover their losses, so SWAMI, (the South West Area Music Industry) paired with Troll Music in Venice, will have a fundraiser Nov. 13, to help cover costs of rebuilding their homes, replacing household items, and restoring their livelihoods. I'm Barbara Wagner DeJong, the founder of SWAMI, and I can vouch that EVERY dollar raised will go toward these 5 and their families. I live in Venice, and I've seen the damage.

WHO are we helping? TV audiences around the country fondly recall Luke Halpin (Sandy in the "Flipper" TV series); his family now lives in SW Florida; and they suffered extreme loss and damage. Patti Highland of Venice, is a singer/songwriter who's performed in the area for decades. Her mobile home was nearly destroyed and she lost many possessions.

Tom Marcellis from Cape Coral sustained severe damage to his home and his guitar studio, where he taught students daily. Randy Stephens is a busy local musician who sustained severe damage to his home and property. Finally, Rick Duncan, musician and studio engineer, experienced his roof caving in and an almost total loss of household contents.

Your support is appreciated! If you can't attend our event on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2 - 7 pm, at Casey Key Resorts in Osprey, FL, please consider a generous donation to help them out! Each one is EXTREMELY grateful for any amount you can give. Thank you!