Community Corner
25 Bands Perform Against Bullying
Long Island groups to raise money March 31 for L.I. Crisis Center, including show at the Blue Parrot.
Research show that more than 50 percent of young kids and teenagers have been bullied, often without telling their parents.
That is just one reason why 25 local bands will perform at five Long Island venues, including one in Bethpage and another in Massapequa, on Saturday March 31 beginning at 8 p.m. to create awareness for the cause.
The fundraiser will help the Long Island Crisis Center, a non-for-profit agency, with their efforts to consult people with such experiences.
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Act1 Entertainment and almost 250 volunteers are working together to create the “Banding Together Against Bullying” event.
“The topic needs to be addressed. It´s getting out of control,” said Karl Reamer, the president of Act 1 Entertainment, an umbrella group representing a host of Long Island bands and acts. Reamer had personal experience with bullying. He said he helped to save a family member from several suicide attempts, and helped him recover. Reamer wants to share the fact that the victims can be rescued – if they get the help they need.
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“We want to hopefully educate people on some signals before its too late,” Reamer said.
The money raised will be used in funding the LI Crisis Center´s bullying and cyber bullying programs. “Unfortunately, many times the problem of bullying, especially cyber bullying, is not known until a child takes drastic measures,” said Linda Leonard, the Executive Director of , in a press release. The program gives an opportunity for everyone to talk with counselors through 24/7 hotlines and online chats, and does outreach at schools.
All 25 bands performing on “Banding Together Against Bullying” are part of the Act 1 fundraising team, known as Brothers and Sisters. The group includes artists such as Ann Klein, Tommy Mayor, BigDaddy & The Bulldogs, Retro69, T-Bone & Franny Mae, and The Gary Sellers Band. Along with the live music, people who have lost family members to suicide will attend, and share their knowledge.
The “Banding Together Against Bullying” event will run simultaneously on five separate donated spaces, including The Blue Parrot Lounge in Massapequa, Whoville in Bethpage, Candy´s Magic Pub in Shirley, Knockouts Restaurant & Bar in Bohemia, and Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Company in Parchogue, on March 31.
For more information about the event, and a full list of performers, visit www.Act1Entertainment.Net, or call the Act1 Office at 631-758-3505. The LI Crisis Center can be reached athttp://www.longislandcrisiscenter.org/.
