John W. Engeman Theater in Northport to Host Benefit Concert Sunday

The John W. Engeman Theater will host a concert on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 7:30 -9:30 p.m. to benefit the VeteransHomeGiveaway.org initiative.

The concert is being held by the Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in conjunction with the Fairway Foundation, their 501c3 not-for-profit arm, and other not for profits.

To date, The Fairway Foundation has given away 22 mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan in the last 20 months nationally. On Long Island, 2 homes will be awarded to Purple Heart veteran recipients wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan through the joint efforts of the Office of the Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, and the Fairway Foundation.

The concert will feature a musical performance by “You Should Be Dancin,” The Bee Gees Tribute show performed by Peter Mazzeo & The Hit Squad. A highlight of the program will be a performance of “The Reason I Breathe, “ an original song to be presented by the winner of Fairway’s Veteran Idol Search.

“We hope to bring attention to the post-traumatic stress disorder that many of our returning veterans endure,” said Rosemarie Kluepfel, representing Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

Open auditions were held in August in search of a veteran to sing the song, and the winner will sing the finale at the concert.

Organizers say that 100 percent of all proceeds from the events and sale of the song will go towards the home give-away locally

Kevin O’Neill, founder and owner of The John W. Engeman Theater said his venue offered an ideal setting for the benefit concert.

“Our theater is named after my brother-in-law, who served our nation on active duty for over twenty-eight years,” O’Neill said. “He was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Hurricane Andrew relief, Kosovo/Bosnia Peacekeeping, an assignment in Nigeria and to Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

“At the time of his death, John was serving on the Military Transition Team assisting the Iraqi people,” O’Neill added.. “He grew up in East Northport, and loved this area. And, he died a hero. It’s only fitting that our theater should serve as the home for a benefit to provide necessary housing and support for our veterans who return home in need of our help.”

The price of a ticket is $75. To purchase tickets, call the Theater’s Box office at (631) 261-2900. The John W. Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main Street,Northport, NY.