Aerosmith founding member hosts benefit concert in Elmsford for New York veterans
Ray Tabano, one of the original founding members of Aerosmith, hosted a benefit concert at Pete's Saloon in Elmsford to raise money for veterans.
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Live music, food, and raffles were just some of the ways musicians and supporters came together in Westchester County to give back to veterans.
Ray Tabano, one of the original founding members of Aerosmith, hosted a benefit concert at Pete's Saloon in Elmsford to raise money for veterans.
“We got involved with them and we do it every year," Tabano said. "I'm flying colors for the DAV."
The annual fundraiser benefits Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 23 in the Bronx.
“We've been volunteering since we got out of the service and we're still at it," Dan Resto, a veteran and member of DAV Chapter 23, said, "and they keep cutting us on a lot of benefits, but we keep on fighting back.”
The money raised from the benefit concert and raffle will go towards travel costs for veterans in need.
“Some of these veterans, they're sickly, they don't have a lot of money," Tabano said, "we give them an opportunity to have a transportation fund to get them back and forth to the hospital, so they could have their medical needs attended to."
For those in the crowd enjoying the show, it was more than just music.
“I'm doing this in honor of all my family that were in the service,” Betty Page, an attendee, said.
“I am forever indebted and appreciate the sacrifice that they fight for," Marissa Raniolo said.
It is also meaningful to Pete Saloon’s owner, Anthony Bartolotta, who is the venue host each year.
“I respect what these people did for our country," Bartolotta said. "And wherever we could try to help, we're going to try to help. We're not just a restaurant. We're not just a bar. We're a community.”
Those who weren't able to make the event can find more information about donations here.
