RIDLEY TOWNSHIP \u2014 It was an exciting afternoon at the James May Costume Co. on Thursday, when longtime costume designer Jim May presented checks, totaling $18,000 to two local charities.<\/p>\n
The donations were made possible, thanks to the talented, generous business owner, his flashy designer Liberty Beret, and many local residents who purchased the hats to support the worthwhile causes.<\/p>\n
May handcrafted the stylish red, white and blue Liberty Beret to celebrate the nation\u2019s semiquincentennial, pay tribute to the Philadelphia\u2019s Mummers\u2019 125th anniversary this year, and to raise money for The Chapel of the Four Chaplains and the Mummers against Cancer.<\/p>\n
The berets are handmade from durable cotton fabric, and embellished with red, blue and gold sequins, a gold sequin band and topped with bright red feathers spotlighting a large emblem that reads \u201c250 Anniversary 1776-2026\u201d under a bald eagle. Inside each original handcrafted hat is a label reading \u201cCreated by James May,\u201d personally signed by the longtime award-winning designer.<\/p>\n
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Sales of James May’s unique Liberty Beret raised almost $20,000 this summer. Buyers were able to designate if they wanted the money from their hat purchase to benefit Mummers Against Cancer, which helps local Mummers and their family members who are battling cancer, or the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, which assists local veterans in need who are struggling. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n
May donated every cent from the hat sales to the two charities, without taking any money for his time or material. Each buyer wrote out their check to their choice of the two charities.<\/p>\n
On hand to accept a $12,000 check from May for Mummers Against Cancer was George Balzar, a member of the Woodland String Band and chairman of the charitable organization. His wife, Janice, who accompanied George to accept the donation, is the treasurer. Mummers Against Cancer provides financial assistance to Mummers dealing with a cancer diagnoses and treatment expenses. Previously, May raised $26,000 for the organization from the sale of his Philadelphia Eagles uniquely designed Championship Hats, and $25,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very grateful to Jim May and everyone who purchased a hat,\u201d Balzar stated. \u201cThis donation will help Mummers in our organization, and their family members, who are battling cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Balzar said Mummers can seek help from the nonprofit organization for themselves or a family member, and a board of 17 members votes on how the money will be spent.<\/p>\n
May, who designed and made thousands of Mummers costumes throughout his decades-long career, said he was motivated to help the charitable organization after witnessing friends and fellow Mummers struggle with cancer and financial hardships over the years.<\/p>\n
May also presented a check for $6,000 to The Chapel of Four Chaplains at The Philadelphia Navy Yard, which assists homeless and veterans in need with food, clothing, shelter, memorial services and chapel use, as well as all veterans with outreach, emotional and spiritual support, and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very grateful for this donation,\u201d said retired Capt. Louis Cavaliere, chairman emeritus of The Chapel of the Four Chaplains. \u201cWe are expanding our outreach to better serve veterans, focusing on broadening our suicide prevention efforts and this will help us a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Donors received a written acknowledgment for their donation from whichever nonprofit charity they chose.<\/p>\n
May said he chose The Chapel of the Four Chaplains in honor of his family members who served in the military and in gratitude to all veterans who served, as well as active servicemen and women.<\/p>\n
\u201cI designed The Liberty Beret specifically to honor the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary celebration, to pay tribute to our honorable U.S. military, and acknowledge Philadelphia\u2019s Mummers heritage,\u201d May said. \u201cGod gave me a gift and I am blessed to be able to share it to help others.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are a very limited number of the unique collectible hats still for sale and all proceeds will continue to benefit these charities.<\/p>\n
James May Costume Company is at 450 MacDade Boulevard in Folsom. Liberty Berets may be ordered by calling 610-532-3430.<\/p>\n
To find out more about Mummers Against Cancer, go to the organization\u2019s Facebook Page at\u00a0www.facebook.com\/MummersAgainstCancer.<\/a><\/p>\n For more information about the Chapel of The Four Chaplains, go to\u00a0http:\/\/FourChaplains.org<\/a> or contact Michelle Nolfi at 215-218-1943.<\/p>\n \u2018The Prom\u2019 takes the stage at Neumann University<\/p>\n Center Stage Productions will bring \u201cThe Prom\u201d to life at Neumann University\u2019s Meagher Theatre from Thursday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 9.<\/p>\n Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, \u201cThe Prom\u201d tells the story of four eccentric Broadway stars who desperately want to step back into the spotlight. When they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they take advantage of the opportunity and insert themselves into the controversy.<\/p>\n The town\u2019s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow, but when one student wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, she sparks a civic debate that threatens the event.<\/p>\n On a mission to make a difference, the Broadway stars team with the courageous student, leading to a transformation that brings everyone together in the name of love and acceptance.<\/p>\n Capturing the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy, \u201cThe Prom\u201d inspires and entertains with its blend of heart, humor and show-stopping musical numbers that resonate with audiences of all ages.<\/p>\n Performances are scheduled for Aug. 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and $15 for children. To order in advance: www.csptheatre.com\/buy.<\/a><\/p>\n Center Stage Productions is one of seven groups in the Arts Guild at Neumann University, a collection of organizations that bring plays, music, dance, lectures and exhibits to Delaware County.<\/p>\n Other members include the Cultural Arts Forum, Delaware County Symphony, International Ballet Classique, Neumann University Art Gallery, Neumann University Jazz Band and Neumann University Players.<\/p>\n
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The ribbon will be cut to officially open the new LifeBridges neighborhood at Chestnut Ridge in Wallingford on Thursday. LifeBridges is designed for seniors who require high-acuity care but prefer a residential environment over a skilled nursing facility. Above, a common area where residents can gather. (COURTESY OF CHESTNUT RIDGE)