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Community Corner

Mother, Daughter Organize Concert to Benefit Marines

Lake Parsippany residents rock out to support the Family and Friends of Freedom Fund.

In honor of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, Sunday is a day of service and remembrance. By logging on to 911day.org, you can view the many “I will” statements written by people across the country.  All of the statements briefly describe a good deed, charitable activity or plan to honor those impacted by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Lake Parsippany's Karen Atkins took her personal “I will” statement to another level. In conjunction with the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association, Atkins and her daughter, Jillian, organized their second Concert To Support Our Troops at Drewes Beach on Saturday.

According to Atkins, the idea for the benefit started with a concert she planned for the Lake Parsippany beach in fall 2010. While she was able to secure musical talent for the event, the only date available was Sept. 11. Due to the date's significance, the band offered to play for free if all proceeds were earmarked for the military organization of Atkins' choice.

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A friend of Atkins told her about the Family and Friends for Freedom Fund, a non-profit that has raised $520,000 for injured Marines and their families since 2005. Kathy Sturla founded the organization after her son, Staff Sgt. Jim Sturla, was injured in Iraq (his wounding occurred only eight days after he'd begun serving). The fund's mission, according to its website, is to provide financial support to injured Marines while they continue their long road to recovery.

With the military-related charity chosen, Atkins' concert idea evolved into an outdoor festival complete with a tricky tray, 50/50 raffle and concessions, all donated by local businesses.

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"I do something 200 percent or not at all," Atkins said. 

At first, the event's profits were to be divided evenly between the fund and the LPPOA, she added. Then, association President Dan O’Connor saw the outpouring of community support and decided to donate LPPOA's portion of the proceeds as well. Atkins said the association's support allowed her to put the event together with very little overhead. The result: Last year’s concert brought in a profit of over $4,000. Totals for this year's event are not yet available, but Atkins said she hopes to see that number double this year.

As with any large event, planning the second annual concert was not without its struggles. Atkins said the band Off the Rails was not just headlining the event, it was also donating sound equipment. At the last minute, however, the group pulled out of the concert.

Many other musicians stepped in to help, Atkins said. Among them was Amy Tominac of the band Lix. 

“This was an opportunity to support the troops, pay it forward and give a little to people who give everything to fight for freedom for our country,” Tominac said.

Joining Tominac on stage were a bevy of classic rock bands, including Liquid Renegade, Shades of Purple and Days of Rain. The musicians rocked the crowd with sets of classic rock covers of songs by acts ranging from Led Zeppelin to U2.  

Asked about her hopes for future concerts, Atkins hinted that Saturday's will not be the last.

"In the last year, I have come across many people who have been injured fighting for my freedom," she said. "This is one way that I can encourage my community to thank them for their sacrifice.”

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