By Jim Moran

A Charity Benefit for Soldier Songs and Voices was held at Mango Jo’s in Ruskin on July 23rd. Soldier Songs and Voices is a national nonprofit organization that began in Austin, Texas with a mission to help veterans heal from the trauma of battle through music. Soldier Songs and Voices provides musical instruction, instruments and songwriting workshops to help veterans express their feelings and experiences of war. Founder of the Sarasota/Manatee chapter Ray Hodges and singer songwriter Debbie Hood did a fantastic job with the event and Cathy, owner of Mango Jo’s was a perfect host. The event raised over $1,200 for the cause which will be used to purchase guitars for veterans and to create CD’s of veterans’ music to sell at future fundraisers. Among the performers were Ray Hodges, Debbie Hood, Dean Johanesen, Bill Vinhage and Gerry Bell among others. Special thanks to all of the American Legion Riders, Riverview, and Nam Knights who came out to support the cause and to Dragon for smokin’ the chicken and sausage.

For more information on Soldier Songs and Voices, visit www.soldierssongsandvoices.org/ssv or call Ray Hodges at 941-448-0952