CHICOPEE – Al Picard, president of the Friends of the RiverMills Center, urged support for a fundraising concert to help the Friends group complete its financial obligation.

Picard addressed the City Council on Oct. 1 about the “Close the Gap” campaign during which the Friends will complete its goal in raising money for the construction of the center.

Picard explained the Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation has agreed to match donations during the campaign up to $100,000. He noted the Foundation has already donated $250,000 toward RiverMills.

On Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Dan Kane and Friends will perform a benefit concert to support the “Close the Gap” campaign at the Chicopee High School Auditorium. This special concert has a patriotic theme and will include as many veterans and service members as possible.

The ticket cost is $15 and there is a program to allow veterans to attend for free.

Picard hopes that people will participate in the “Ticket-For-A-Vet” effort by buying an extra ticket for the event that will be distributed to a veteran living in the city. Picard hoped that 100 vets in the community would get free admission to the concert.

The Chicopee Veterans Service Office will coordinate the contributed tickets to Chicopee veterans As an added benefit, a business will be acknowledged as a contributor to the Chicopee veterans in the event program.

To learn more the concerts and sponsoring a vet, contact Picard at 534-3698 or at 593-5238. Those considering making a donation toward the “Ticket-For-A-Vet” initiative you may forward a check in the amount of the number of tickets that you wish to donate to Friends of RiverMills Center, 5 West Main Street, Chicopee, MA 01020.

Tickets for the concert are available at the RiverMills center and the folowing other locations: Bernie’s Dining Depot, The Collegiate Court, Lucky Strike and the Country Trading Post.