Write a commentWith the 20th anniversary of the terror attack on New York City this weekend, CNY Arts Center is extending an invitation to local fire and police first responders to attend the premiere of September Bears, running Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 at the Arts Center, located at 121 Cayuga St in downtown Fulton.
Thanks to a generous donor, a block of free tickets will be offered to the Fulton police and fire departments. All First responders are invited to attend at a discounted price when requested at the box office.
“We mustn’t forget this terrible moment in our country’s history and it reminds us who gave the most in those critical moments and for months afterwards,” said Nancy Fox, Director. “We don’t often get a chance to say thank you to those critical people and the families of those who lost their lives trying to help others. We are honored to present this play about another selfless individual who met the needs of the most vulnerable, the children traumatized by the frightening events.”
The 90-minute play, written by Jeff Barker, tells one true story from the events that took place in New York City on 9/11/2001. School teacher Sue Lucarelli, whose school was in the shadows of the Towers, responded to the needs of her traumatized students by providing them with teddy bears to hug when they were frightened.
Word spread and the need to comfort all NYC school children became critically apparent. With the help of a local, small church and donations that poured in from across the country, more than 50,000 teddy bears were distributed to NYC school children.
Sue Lucarelli launched a foundation called Hugs Across America that still provides teddy bears to children in crisis today. CNY Arts Center is receiving donations of new, or gently loved teddy bears to give to local first responders and agencies that help children in crisis.
September Bears runs Friday and Saturday, Sept 10 & 11 at 8pm, with two matinees at 3pm on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12. Tickets are available online at CNYArtsCenter.com or call 315-598-ARTS (2787). Visit the website for more information. The Arts Center is located at 121 Cayuga St. in downtown Fulton.
