‘Support Our Heroes Dance' held this Sunday

WARWICK - American Legion Post 214, Jubilee Multi-Cultural Arts and the Support Our Heroes Foundation will sponsor the second annual “Support Our Heroes” benefit dance on Sunday, Sept. 17. The dance, featuring swing, tango, ballroom and Latin music, will be held at the American Legion hall on Forester Ave., Warwick, from 4 to 8 p.m. When Luz and Luis Mercado of New Windsor began sending potato chips and the like to their son, Sgt. Louis Mercado, who recently returned from Iraq, he became the most popular man in his platoon. Luz Mercado operated as a one-person charity for months but now she is affiliated with “Support Our Heroes,” a non-profit organization dedicated to sending care packages to specific Army platoons in Iraq. The organization sends essential items to two “adopted” soldiers who then distribute them to everyone in their platoons. This year the two “adopted” soldiers are Matt Harvey from Cornwall and Christopher Smolinski from Newburgh. Both servicemen are serving in Iraq. “I held a benefit last year for ‘Support Our Heroes’ in Poughkeepsie,” said Judy Battista, owner of Jubilee Presents. “This year I would like to reach out to the community on this side of the Hudson.” The Nicholas P. Lesando, Jr. American Legion Post 214 donated its facility for Sunday’s event. Other contributors include DJ Barry and Advent Mobile Disc Jockey Services, Jerry and Adele Klein and the Latino Market. Performers and instructors will also volunteer their time. Jubilee is donating all proceeds from the minimum suggested donation of $10 to the Support Our Heroes Foundation. Guests are also requested to bring an item for the care packages and/or give additional donations directly to “Support our Heroes.” For a complete list of suggested gift items visit www.supportourtroops.net And for any additional information call Judy Battista at 987-4207.