A pair of programs that help the U.S. Armed Forces, military veterans, and war-stricken children in Iraq, one of them co-founded by Sinise, will be conducted this month in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Inaugural Gala featuring the Saturday evening dinner and concert. The Modesto chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, a national organization that supports the American troops and Veterans, will team with CSU Stanislaus and Modesto Clear Channel Radio stations Sunny 102.3 and KFIV 1360 to collect food, personal hygiene supplies, and “wish list” items for the troops overseas during the week of October 6-10. Donations can be dropped off at the Turlock WalMart on Fulkerth Road from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, October 10, or Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the radio station, 2121 Lancey Street in Modesto. More information on the list of items being collected is available on the station Web site at www.sunny102fm.com.
The Turlock American Legion Riders and the CSU Stanislaus Student Veterans Organization will partner with the University to conduct an “Operation Iraq Children” drive October 20-25 to collect school supplies, toys, sports equipment, and shoes for children in Iraq. The program was established in 2004 by Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand to help American troops in their efforts to assist children in Iraq. Sinise’s band has done five tours for the United Service Organizations (USO), including Iraq, and has a strong commitment to supporting American troops as well as children impacted by the war in Iraq. Donation sites will be set up at the CSU Stanislaus campus the week of the concert.
Tickets for the 8:30 p.m. concert, available through TicketWeb.com listed under Gary Sinise and at the University Bookstore, are priced at $35 general admission, $25 for University faculty, staff, and military veterans, and $20 for CSU Stanislaus students. For more information and a link to the TicketWeb.com ticket purchasing site, visit www.csustan.edu/50th, or contact the CSU Stanislaus Division of University Advancement at 667-3131.
Sinise, a noted actor probably best known for his role as “Lieutenant Dan” in the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump” and for his current starring role on the CBS television series “CSI:NY,” will be the featured guest of honor and performer on October 25. Gala tickets, which include a reception, dinner, and concert tickets, are $250 per person. Table sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels. Contact University Advancement at (209) 667-3131 for more information.