The John W. Engeman Theater To Host Golden Soldier Benefit Day 7/17

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport announced today that they are proud to host a second Golden Soldier Benefit Day on Saturday, July 17 to help raise funds for the Golden Soldier Project, a local not-for-profit organization that produces books of children's artwork for American soldiers stationed overseas. The TD Bank Youth Theater Series presentation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND will be the featured performance and $3.00 from every ticket sale for the 11:00 am matinee show will be donated to the Golden Soldier Project. The first Golden Solider Benefit Day, held on May 15, generously raised $1200.00 for the organization.

Started in 2003, the Golden Soldier Project is a virtual publishing company run by Centerport resident Christin Griskie and her family. "The main inspiration for this project comes from the children", says Ms. Griskie, she herself the mother of four. "I have been deeply touched by their willingness to do their best when asked if they would like "to encourage a soldier, or give a soldier a hug on paper." With three previous editions under her belt, The Golden Soldier's Comfort (2003), The Golden Soldier's Victory (2004) and The Golden Soldier's Rest (2006), Griskie's current book entitled, The Golden Soldier's Rock, is based on US landmarks and veteran memorials.

Containing primarily artwork from children, the goal is to put a book into the hands of as many U.S. soldiers as possible. "We have worked hard over the years to produce books that will lift the spirits of the brave men and women who protect our freedom," says Ms. Griskie. "The premise of our efforts is a hometown Thank You in the form of children's drawings, letters, notes and words of comfort. The Golden Soldier's Rock will our fourth undertaking and we are excited to work with old friends and new ones to make this book a reality."

To assist with the Golden Soldier Projects's immediate goal to raise $137,000.00, the John W. Engeman Theater has committed to donating $3.00 from every ticket sale for the July 17 children's theater performance of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. "As I stated prior to our opening in June of 2007, we will work to help raise funds for organizations that do good works in our communities", says Kevin J. O'Neill, Executive Producer of the theater.

Ms. Griskie and her family will be on hand at the performance to speak further about the efforts of the Golden Soldier Project and to invite the attending families to join her in the John W. Engeman Theater Performing Arts Studio directly following each performance to "be a part of recorded history" by helping to color a page in the 2010 edition and signing their name.

Tickets for ALICE IN WONDERLAND are on sale now and are $15. A portion of ticket sale proceeds for the July 17 performance will go to benefit the Golden Soldier Project. Tickets may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com , or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport NY. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.

For more information contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office located at 250 Main Street, Northport or www.engemantheater.com. For more information about the Golden Soldier Project visit www.goldensoldierproject.com.

The John W. Engeman Theater is Long Island's only year round professional theater company, utilizing actors from the Broadway union - Actors' Equity Association. Shows are performed year round in the newly renovated Theater which offers stadium-style seating, a full orchestra pit, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and a classic wood-paneled piano lounge with full bar.

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