Veterans, free balcony seats Saturday to Tony Orlando show for Ironstone Farm (sold out otherwise)

Veterans Day Saturday, veterans can take in a Vegas-style show by Tony Orlando for free – courtesy of a generous sponsorship by the Demoulas Foundation.

The show on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium is part of a charity gala for the nonprofit programs at Andover’s Ironstone Farm. Ironstone Farm serves veterans, children with special needs and others, and has an ongoing capital campaign that includes turning its original farmhouse into a center for its Veterans Experience.

The Demoulas Foundation sponsorship opens up balcony seats for veterans to see the Nov. 12 show by the legendary Tony Orlando and his Vegas band at no cost to veterans. Veterans interested in seats for themselves and family members should email ironstone1960@gmail.com or call 978-502-0916 to reserve their free seats. There are a limited number of seats available and RSVPs are needed. Veterans are asked to arrive at 8:15 p.m. to see the show at the Lowell Memorial Auditoriun, 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell.

An electric singer and humanitarian Tony Orlando, last year’s honoree, is returning to Ironstone Farm’s gala with his Vegas band to perform. The party is Ironstone Farm’s major fundraiser of the year. The gala has sold out, but the Demoulas Foundation sponsorship has opened the balcony for veterans – as a way to say thank you on Veterans Day weekend for their service.

While veterans are asked to arrive at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday to enjoy the music, those attending the gala will arrive earlier, as the gala begins at 6 p.m.

Known for its dare-to-surprise nature, Ironstone Farm’s gala annually delivers something unexpected. This year’s theme is “Vintage Vegas.” In addition to Tony Orlando and his band, the party will include television meteorologist Matt Noyes as the master of ceremonies, overseeing the program and live auction. Dinner, casino games, and raffles for great prizes are among the other activities that will help turn the auditorium into a Vegas showcase. People are encouraged to wear black-tie attire, or what they feel is in the spirit of “Vintage Vegas.” The winner of the casino games will win a hot-air balloon ride with overnight stay plus two nights at Mohegan Sun.

This year’s gala honors the spirit of giving of contractor Bob MacCormack and community-event organizer Bill Pennington of Andover, both of whom have contributed tremendously to improving Ironstone and its ability to help more children with special needs and veterans.

All the money raised supports Ironstone Farm’s nonprofit programs. Ironstone Farm, on Route 133 in Andover, provides therapy for children and adults with special needs, combat veterans who have experienced trauma, , people diagnosed with cancer, teens at risk, elders with memory issues and others. A program for people recovering from opioid addiction is being developed.

ABOUT TONY ORLANDO

Tony Orlando, one of America’s most enduring and endearing entertainers and a superstar humanitarian, received Ironstone Farm’s Spirit of Giving Award last year.

Throughout his life, Tony has been a champion for the populations that Ironstone Farm serves, especially people with special needs. From singing to his sister with cerebral palsy as a boy, to teaming for 33 years with Jerry Lewis in the fight for children with muscular dystrophy, Tony has inspired and improved the lives of countless people. His electric stage presence is matched by a giving spirit evident at events throughout the year, including the Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans event offered each Veterans Day. Tony has been a fan of Ironstone since he first visited the farm in 2010 calling the visit “one of the most inspiring days I’ve ever had.” At last year’s event, he was so touched by the stories he heard, he offered to return to perform with his Vegas band this year.

ABOUT HONOREE BOB MACCORMACK

Bob MacCormack, CEO of Keystone Builders and MACCO Plumbing and Heating, came into contact with Ironstone Farm two years ago. Inspired by a member of his family with Downs Syndrome, Bob expressed his desire to use his expertise to help organizations that support children with disabilities. In 2014, Bob completely renovated the building that is now Ironstone Farm’s Arts and Education Center. In 2015 he finished the inside of our large indoor arena, installing the new fence that enables us to provide innovative new programs, and brought quality, energy-efficient heat to our Therapy Building in time for the winter of 2016. Through these projects Bob’s generosity has contributed enormously to the betterment of many lives and we are honored to present him with 2016’s Spirit of Giving Award!

ABOUT HONOREE BILL PENNINGTON

Bill Pennington is a community organizer extraordinaire who has lifted the educational, social and charitable realms of Andover. From supporting school enhancements, to creating community events such as the immensely popular Feaster Five Road Race on Thanksgiving Day, Bill has brought people together to help others. To honor both his parents - US Marines - and other family members, Bill founded the Run for the Troops 5K that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for veterans. His gifts of time, energy and funding to that race and the Ironstone Derby 5K have helped power the Ironstone Farm Veteran’s Experience. Bill looks forward to finding innovative ways to continue supporting the heroes that keep us safe every day. We honor this spirit with Ironstone Farm’s 2016 Joann Weber Award!

MORE ABOUT IRONSTONE FARM

Ironstone Farm is home to the nonprofit organizations Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Therapy. Its programs combine several powerful therapies into one effective program for children and adults with special needs. Clients are referred to Ironstone Therapy by top doctors and institutions. Ironstone uses the dynamic motion of a horse, which mimics the walking motion of a person and works multiple muscle groups at once. The inviting atmosphere of a farm improves social interactions and makes therapy a “want to” event rather than a “have to” session.

Additional programs at Ironstone Farm benefit people living with cancer, veterans returning with post-traumatic stress disorder, elders with memory issues, teens at risk and others. Clients come to Ironstone Farm from more than 90 communities in the Merrimack Valley, Greater Boston and Southern New Hampshire areas. More than 200 people each week volunteer their time because they know their donated work changes lives.