Sandy benefit raised thousands

Last Updated on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 03:15 pm Written by Staff Reports Friday, December 21, 2012 05:46 pm

New York singer Ron Gartner and Kay Aspell, managing director of the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township, collaborated in presenting a fundraising show at the PAC for Cape May County victims of Hurricane Sandy. The show raised more than $4,000.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP -- A benefit show by New York singer Ron Gartner at the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township has netted more than $4,000 for the Hurricane Sandy storm victims in Cape May County, Kay Aspell, managing director of the PAC, has announced.

An audience exceeding 400 paid $10 a ticket for the show with all proceeds to be turned over to the Cape May County chapter of the American Red Cross for relief of county residents who were affected by the storm. Aspell said donations are still being accepted at the PAC box office from those who were unable to attend but would still like to contribute

Gartner, who has performed extensively in Las Vegas and on cruise ships, came up with the idea for the benefit concert some weeks ago and volunteered his services. He is also the owner of the Bicoastal Booking Agency in New York City and books acts at the Performing Arts Center.

“I wanted to do something to help out locally while they were holding that big event at Madison Square Garden,” Gartrner said. “So I thought Cape May County right at the scene would be appropriate.”

Gartner received a standing ovation for his program called “Scotch, Soul and Rock n’ Roll. ” It included songs ranging from the periods of Al Jolson to today.

Aspell thanked those who attended as well as Gartner for their generosity.

“Coming at a time when the tourism season has passed, when many locals have gone to Florida and others are involved in the holiday season we are most grateful for the response we received,” Aspell said.

The event also was marked by the appearance of representatives of a new state organization, New Jersey Hope and Healing, who distributed literature explaining its purpose. The organization is dedicated to managing the emotional consequences of storms and flooding and helping people understand the impact and exploring strategies for coping with weather emergencies.