For most of us, Valentine's Day is a time to spend with our loved ones, whether they be girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife or even the whole family. Sometimes duty calls and our soldiers are not able to spend Valentine's Day with their loved ones.
That's where the Valentine's Sweetheart Benefit Ball, Dance Party and Concert comes in. The purpose of the ball is to raise money to send packages to our troops overseas, not to mention a whole load of support that our troops deserve every day.
"Our soldiers are so amazing," according to Wendy Nelson, who works as public relations representative for Project Troops, when contacted in an e-mail interview. "They give 24/7, so whatever we can do, we will!"
The ball, which takes place Feb. 13 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., will feature refreshments and prizes donated from local restaurants and businesses, as well as local DJ Jerry Pierce heating up the dance floor with music from the "Project Troops: Artists Who Care" CD.
The "Project Troops" CD came about as an idea from Utahn Tamra Lynn Smith whose son was serving in Iraq. She began writing lyrics to songs and encouraged other musicians including Iam Nelson, LanternLane and Randall Johns to join her in creating tributes to our country's soldiers. Some of their songs, like "Please Let Me In," even tackle such tough issues as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Many of our songs have become hits and climbed to the top of the indie charts, Nelson said. Still, Smith didn't stop there, she also continued on to create a soldier and veteran support group that now numbers around 23,000 members.
Project Troops plans for each Valentine's Ball ticket sale to go to letterstosoldiers.org, a group of volunteers that will in turn send care packages to troops serving overseas. Project Troops also donates proceeds from each CD sale it makes.
"They hope to make a difference by making donations from every CD sale to nonprofit organizations that stand behind our soldiers," Nelson said.
The ball will take place Saturday at the Legacy Events Center at 151 S. 1100 West in Farmington. Please note that formal or semiformal attire is required.
"We have amazing sponsors for this, too," Nelson added. "Design Elite Weddings of Layton are decorating the hall (and) the Utah Jazz team has donated autographed pictures for a silent auction."
Other local sponsors include Roosters Restaurant, Golden Corral, TGI Friday's, Mimi's Cafe, Costco, Harmon's, Body by Banks, New Life Essentials, Barr Photography, and Palm Jewelry.
If you're interested in attending the Valentine's Sweetheart Benefit Ball, you can purchase tickets online at www.localmotion.vpweb.com or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices are $20 per person or $35 per couple.
The ticket price includes parking, a coat check, the dance, concert and refreshments, plus a Valentine's Day gift while supplies last.
If you are unable to attend the event but are still interested in helping send letters and packages to soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan, visit www.letterstosoldiers.org.
You can listen to Tamra Lynn Smith's music at www.digitalrodeo.com/tamralynnsmith.
You can preview and purchase tracks from LanternLane's "Just Hold On" CD at www.cdbaby.com/cd/lanternlane.
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