Fundraiser Planned For Ailing Hero

Employees of Georgia-Pacific in Newtown are planning a benefit concert and picnic on Sunday, September 9, at Dickinson Park for a co-worker who is battling cancer.

Three years ago that co-worker, John McCourt, risked his life by stopping his truck and rushing into a burning building in Seymour to rescue an elderly couple. For his heroism, Mr McCourt received the Owen R. Cheatham Medal of Valor.

The concert will include the Manny Pavone Band, which includes Mr Pavone on lead guitar, Richard Evon on rhythm guitar, Kenny Kavanaugh on drums, and Richie Truelove on bass.

Mr Truelove, a former Georgia-Pacific employee, is the father of Holden Truelove, a 12-year-old prodigy whose fiery mix of blues, rock, and R&B have brought him increasing acclaim. He has been a guest on Live with Regis and has played with such musical greats as Buddy Guy, The Marshall Tucker Band, and B.B. King.

His group, The Holden Truelove Band, will perform free at the concert. All food and services also are being donated. All money raised will be given to Mr McCourt.

Tickets are available in advance for $10 per person by calling 203-888-7008 and leaving a message, or at the gate for $15. The picnic will begin at 2 pm and is expected to run until 6 pm.

Georgia-Pacific, the nation’s largest distributor of building products, has a distribution facility on South Main Street in Newtown. Owen R. Cheatham was the founder of the company.