Aquinas Institute and Prime Time Brass teamed up to raise funds for Honor Flight Rochester, a program which transports local WWII veterans by plane to view the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The resulting benefit concert took place at Aquinas on Saturday, January 15, 2011, featuring a mix of jazz, big band and patriotic music performed by Prime Time Brass,  the Aquinas Jazz Ensemble, national recording artist Joe Brucato, the Ghost Riders and the Image City Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. 

More than 600 people attended the concert, including several alumni veterans and former Honor Flight participants.  "I went on an Honor Flight this year," said 84 year old Albert Piacelli. "I'm attending the concert tonight so that more veterans will be able to go. It really is a special honor to be able to see the Memorial."

WHEC - TV 10 anchor Pat McGonigal was the emcee for the event. "There are more than 400 veterans currently on the Rochester Honor Flight waiting list. The donations received at this concert will provide funds for ten vets to make the trip to Washington," he said.

The salute to veterans and their families included tributes by Senator Joe Robach '76 and Vince Hope of Honor Flight Rochester.

While more than $4,000 was raised through the concert event, online donations are still being accepted through Honor Flight Rochester Donations. Be sure to enter either Aquinas Institute or Prime Time Brass in the comment section of the donation so that your donation will benefit this fundraiser.