Councilwoman sets
special May 4 screening of animated film biography of hero World War I dog to
raise money for veterans
Huntington Councilwoman Joan Cergol and the Town of Huntington are pleased to
present a special event to raise money for the Town’s American Legion Posts and
for veterans’ service dogs: a screening of the animated film “Sgt. Stubby: An
American Hero” at the Cinema Arts Center on the morning of Saturday, May 4.
The family-friendly film is based on the incredible true story of not only the
first but also the most decorated dog in American history. Stubby, a stray
rescued off the streets of New Haven, CT, by a U.S, soldier training on the eve
of World War I to be deployed to Europe, went on to save countless lives in the
trenches of France. The dog, who received a battlefield promotion to
“sergeant,” became famous for warning his unit of a gas attack, saving lives on
the battlefield and even capturing a German prisoner. The film features the
voices of Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter and Gerard Depardieu. Its writer
and director, Richard Lanni, describes the film as “a great way to engage kids
with history, and we are thrilled to see audiences around the world share out
love for this little dog and his great mission of opening new eyes to our
shared past.”
Councilwoman Cergol learned of the film, which had its theatrical release last
year, from the newsletter of the American Legion Auxiliary, of which she is a
member. The newsletter noted that the American Legion had partnered with
VetFlicks to facilitate screenings. VetFlicks is a not-for-profit organization
founded by military and film industry veterans to arrange for screenings around
the country. VetFlicks’ mission is to ensure that service persons and those
returning from combat are portrayed accurately and that the issues they face
are presented honestly within the entertainment industry.
Councilwoman Cergol contacted VetFlicks, which arranged for her to see the
film. “It was touching, and funny, and at the same time educational – perfect
family entertainment,” Councilwoman Cergol said. “I realized the film’s immense
potential to raise funds for our Huntington veterans, and the programs the
American Legion runs to benefit the community.”
Councilwoman Cergol reached out to the Huntington Cinema Arts Centre, located
at 423 Park Avenue, Huntington. The theater agreed to make all three of its
screens available to show the film on Saturday morning, May 4. Doors will open
at 9 a.m. and the film will begin at 10.
The minimum advanced-purchase per-ticket donation is only $5 per person, with
all of the proceeds going to assist the Town’s three American Legion Posts
(Halesite Post 360, Northport Post 694 and Greenlawn Post 1244) and America’s
VetDogs, the Smithtown-based affiliate of the Guide Dog Foundation. America’s
VetDogs trains and places service dogs for those with physical disabilities;
guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to
help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; hearing dogs for
those who have lost their hearing, and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation
process in military and VA hospitals. It was in the news recently as the
organization that trained and provided the late President George H.W. Bush’s
service dog, Sully.
America’s VetDogs will be bringing one of its ambassador dogs to the Cinema
Arts Centre, as well as one of its human ambassadors to answer questions about
its programs.
“Can anything be better than bringing veterans, families and dogs together to
raise money for our American heroes…including those with four legs?”
Councilwoman Cergol asked. “I look forward to joining with everybody on May 4
to share Stubby’s incredible story.”
To reserve your seat to this screening and meet an American VetDogs ambassador
dog, tickets can be purchased in advance by making checks payable to the
Huntington Cultural Affairs Institute and mailing them to Councilwoman Joan
Cergol, Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington NY 11743. Please
indicate the number of tickets desired.
The
Huntington Cultural Affairs Institute is a 501c(3) not for profit organization
and all contributions are tax deductible. Tickets may also be purchased at the
door for $7 a person.
Councilwoman
Cergol is also seeking sponsors for the event. For more details, contact
Councilwoman Cergol’s office at 631-351-3173.
In the
accompanying photos: 1) Councilwoman Joan Cergol shown at Huntington Animal
Shelter with former stray, Penelope. “Never underestimate the greatness that
lies within our canine friends,” said Councilwoman Cergol, who owns two boxer
dogs. The remarkable true story of American military canine hero Sgt. Stubby, a
former stray, is coming to the Cinema Arts Center on May 4 with proceeds
benefitting our veterans and vet dogs.2) A scene from the film “Sgt. Stubby: An
American Hero.”
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