Ironstone gala brings Vegas, Tony Orlando band to area Nov. 12

Take a trip to Las Vegas without waiting around the airport at Ironstone Farm’s Spirit of Giving Gala on Saturday, Nov. 12. Electric singer and humanitarian Tony Orlando, last year’s honoree, is returning with his Vegas band to perform. The party is Ironstone Farm’s major fundraiser of the year, supporting the
nonprofit programs that provide therapy for children with special needs, veterans and others.

Known for its dare-to-surprise nature, Ironstone Farm’s gala annually delivers something unexpected. This year’s theme is “Vintage Vegas” and the party begins at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12, at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are available at ironstonefarm.org/gala or by calling 978-475-4056.

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, dancing, 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.” Complimentary valet parking is available.

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, people diagnosed with cancer, combat
veterans who have experienced trauma, teens at risk, elders with memory issues and others. A program for people recovering from opioid addictionis being developed.

For tickets, visit ironstonefarm.org/gala, or its ticket website http://mktix.com/chu/. You may also call the farm at 978-475-4056 or visit its welcome center at 450 Lowell St. (Route 133), Andover, MA.

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.

For more information, please contact Neil Fater at Ironstone Farm at 978-475-4056 Ext. 23 or at neilfater@challengeunlimited.org. Or visit the Ironstone Farm website, ironstonefarm.org.

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 Ironstone Farm is 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. Ironstone Farm honors 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.