Community Corner

Concert to Raise Funds to Build Home for Tampa Wounded Warrior

The Lt. Dan Band Benefit Concert May 10 will help build a home for Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Nicholson.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation invite all Tampa residents to help raise money to build Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Nicholson a "Smart Home" in Tampa.

To that end, the foundations will host the 2013 Lt. Dan Band Benefit Concert at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park May 10.

On July 6, 2011, Nicholson, 22, was on combat foot patrol in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device exploded in his path. Although Nicholson survived, both legs and his left arm had to be amputated. In addition, he suffered a brain injury.

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It is for servicemen such as Nicholson that actor Gary Sinise and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named for firefighter Stephen Sellers who perished in the Twin Towers Sept. 11, 2001, created the program, "Building for America's Bravest"

The program raises money to build "Smart Homes" for severely injured military personnel. Each "Smart Home" is custom designed for the homeowner, with an eye toward ease of accessibility to allow the recipient to live as independently as possible.

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Since launching the program, the foundations have financed the construction of six "Smart Homes" and are in the process of building 13 more.

Construction of Nicholson's new home at 3316 W. Barcelona St., South Tampa, is nearly complete. So, funds raised through the concert that are not needed for Nicholson's "Smart Home" will go to a home for another wounded warrior.

Gates for the May 10 concert open at 6 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 general admission and $75 VIP. Tickets can be purchased at www.SupportMikeNicholson.com/.

Actors Sinise and Kimo Williams formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2003 after discovering their mutual love of music.

The name comes from the "Lieutenant Dan" character Sinise played in the 1994 film, Forrest Gump. The band plays 30 to 40 charity concerts a year, covering pop, rock, blues, Motown, soul and country songs.

Those who can't make the concert can still donate to the fund one of three ways:

1. Call the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 718-987-1931 and make a donation by credit card. Mention that it’s for Mike Nicholson, and your donation will be used to help build his home.

2. Mail a check, made out to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, to the TTTF office at 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306. In the memo section of the check, write Mike Nicholson, and your donation will be used to help build his home.

3. Go to www.buildingforamericasbravest.org and click on Michael Nicholson’s name or photo. Choose an item from the Smart Home Registry to purchase for Mike’s home or make a general donation with a credit card.

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