• Melissa Snyder

Musical Connection Spurs Tornado Relief Concert In Cleveland, TN

Cleveland, TN - June 1, 2011 - Although the tragic tornado storm of April 27 occurred one month ago, the needs are still substantial which is why The Greater Cleveland Concert Band presented "Touched by Disney Magic" at First Baptist Church as a fundraiser for The Salvation Army.

“We wanted to do something with The Salvation Army because we are all about music and they were the one group who we had the musician-tie with as well as a purpose for community interests,” said Don Bindrim, director and president of The Greater Cleveland Concert Band.

Music has played an important part of The Salvation Army ministry. Early musicians used brass instruments to attract people. Accomplished musicians of The Salvation Army include famous American composers William Himes, James Curnow, and Stephen Bulla who has served as the chief arranger for the "President’s" United States Marine Corps Band in Washington, D.C.. Some of the most outstanding brass bands in the world have been from The Salvation Army.

According to Bindrim the benefit program raised $2300. He and John Austin, treasurer for The Greater Cleveland Concert Band, were pleased to present The Salvation Army, Cleveland Crops with a check to be used for local families in need of disaster relief.

The Salvation Army continues to meet the needs of the community by providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support.  The best way to help survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors.  The Salvation Army asks those who want to help to visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and designate their gift "April Tornado Relief”  Checks may be mailed to:

The Salvation Army Disaster Relief

P.O. Box100339

Atlanta, GA 30384-0339

For more information about The Salvation Army or to volunteer in the relief effort, please call 423-308-3467.  Volunteers will be needed long-term.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.