Local effort to aid victims of Sept. 11 continues

BANGOR – Bangor Fire Fighters Local 772 and Morgan Hill Performing Arts Center in Hermon are renewing their efforts to raise needed funds for disaster victims in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Through the generosity of Maine artist Eveline Gugelmann-Henner, Bangor Fire Fighters Local 772 and Morgan Hill Dancers launched a special art project last fall.

Prints of Gugelmann-Henner’s “New York Skyline” are available for a contribution of $60. Proceeds (minus processing and shipping costs of approximately $10) benefit the “New York Firefighter’s 911 Disaster Relief Fund.”

A native of Switzerland, the Rockport-based artist created the original painting following her first visit to New York more than 25 years ago.

“This project offers a unique opportunity for Maine people to make a needed contribution while benefiting from a beautiful work of art. The New York skyline print provides a special way for individuals to remember the victims and devastation of Sept. 11,” said Jeff Sennett of the Bangor Fire Department.

“Funds will continue to be needed by firefighters and their families in the New York area for some time to come. This art project allows Maine families a way to connect with firefighters who have lost so much,” Sennett said.

Morgan Hill Performing Arts Center of Hermon has helped coordinate the project. Members of the organization delivered a check of more than $6,000 to firefighters in New York City last November.

The donation came from initial print sales and proceeds from a performance titled “Sounds of America” sponsored by the Morgan Hill Dancers. An additional $1,000 has been collected since then. A goal of at least $10,000 has been established.

“We were pleased by the initial interest in this project. The firefighters who accepted our contribution in New York were so kind and gracious. We hope more people will choose to order this wonderful print so that another substantial donation can be made to help those continuing to recover from the horrible events of six months ago,” said Morita Tapley of Morgan Hill Performing Arts Center.

Further details are available at www.nyskyline.homestead.com. Copies of the print can be ordered through a form on the Web site or by calling (866) 697-5954.