Food Drive: A Great Success!!

On December 13, I hosted my 8th Annual Food Drive at The Irish Shebeen and this year, as in past years, the event surpassed any and all of my expectations. The generosity of my friends and fans, whose contributions and donations added up to over $1000.00 in food items and $760 in cash and gift cards, completely overwhelmed me!! One friend, who asked to remain anonymous, personally donated $500. in PC Gift Cards!! Amazing. All proceeds were gratefully accepted by The YWCA Hamilton (on Ottawa Street in my new community) and from there given to The Transition Program for abused women and children. Thank you all so much for your good will, graciousness and support!

Now, In all honesty, an event like this can’t happen without the kindness and warmth of the many special guests who donated their time and came out to perform with the band for a couple of songs or even the entire night. Johnny Max, Dominic Mancuso, Johnny Johnson, Gord Myers, Krista Blondin, Joe Thompson, Tom Noble, Walter E. Lee and Santa!! are all awesome talents and even better people! Thanks so much!

Speaking of my band, I can't say enough about the professionalism and versatility of Matt Horner, Robbie Rox and Richard Underhill, who performed tirelessly throughout the night with several guest performers. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to play with these guys for as long as I have, and with Richard for only the second or third time, who was subbing in for Rich Howse. You guys are the best – thank you.

Finally, I have to extend my thanks to Michael P. Theodore and Johnny 'Porco' Theodore, who 'sat in' for the entire night. They are both so incredibly talented and easy to work with; No complaints, no worries and smiles all night! You can’t ask for anything more from any musician and although we share the same last name, but are not at all related, I can say that these 2 guys are really like brothers to me!

Thanks again to Hope and the staff at The Shebeen as well as to all of you and best wishes to everyone on 2016!

Peace