Toys For Tots
In just another day in paradise, I was asked to help find some musical acts for the Toys for Tots program, being held Saturday at Hamilton Place Mall. The U.S. Marines founded the program over 65 years ago, which provides Christmas toys for little folks that may not otherwise have a good Christmas. The have distributed over a half a billion toys in the time since. Every major organization that rates charity non-profits gives the Toys for Tots program the absolute highest grades possible.
This Saturday at Hamilton Place, the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Unit in Chattanooga, kicks off the 2013 campaign with 5 hours of music, beginning at noon on the stage inside the mall. The cool part about this location is that anyone that doesn’t bring a toy with them can simply buy one in the mall.
Dixie Fuller and I were asked to help secure some of the musical acts for the show. All I did was mention on Facebook that I needed some solo or duo acts for the Toys for Tots program and within minutes we had the program filled. Our local Chattanooga musicians are the best. I had just a handful of slots to fill, yet received dozens of offers to play on the program.
Now before you say that donating just 30 minutes for a performance isn’t that big of a deal, think about what these wonderful musicians are doing. They will practice for the show, every one of them, because they are all good performers. They will have purchased their own equipment, supplies like guitar strings, picks, etc., and will have to drive themselves through the busy mall area traffic to get there. They will have to find a parking space and lug their instruments to the stage in the mall. A 30-minute show can easily add up to several hours when you consider everything.
Now, please understand this – not only does this program get their music – they are getting some of the best music to be found in this area. Performers like Tim Lewis, John Cady, Wesley Crider, Preston Parris, Josh Lewis, Barry Manley, Matt Downer and the Old Time Travelers, Scenic City Chorus, Harrison Recreation Cheer, Alpine Crest 5th Grade Chorus, and Courtney Miller. Believe me, there are enough great guitar masters in that crowd to start an all-star band.
These fine musicians are donating their time and talents to the cause – won’t you bring a toy and support the Toys for Tots program and thank the performers? On behalf of Dixie Fuller, Friends of the Festival, and myself, we thank you in advance and say a great big thank you for our wonderful Chattanooga musicians that are performing on this program and participate in fund raisers and charity events throughout the year.
For more local music info, try www.chattanoogaentertainers.com or www.chattanooganightscope.com. They both have great local music info and schedules. For local info on Country music, try Jim Boles’ site www.chattacountry.ning.com.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.
Bob Payne