Billy Rice “Back in the USA” Event Supported Wounded Warriors

This Veteran’s Day, as our country was honoring our veterans in myriad ways, Billy Rice and Sande Caplin joined together in patriotism, camaraderie and creativity to support The Wounded Warriors Project.

Billy, front man for The Billy Rice Band, and Sande, owner of Sande Caplin and Associates, are both known for their philanthropic support of several local and national non-profit organizations and this event was one shining example of their combined creative efforts.

Sande Caplin and his team produced the Back in the USA video showcasing Billy’s hit single of the same name and rolled it out on this special evening. Written for our brave soldiers and one in particular – Billy’s nephew Gerry Rybicki – the video captured the minds and hearts of the more than 100 attendees from all over the country and will certainly have wide spread appeal now that it’s viral.

Held at Primo’s Restaurante in Sarasota, the event kicked off with a red-carpet photo shoot by Vicky Sullivan for all attendees wanting their picture taken with Billy. Guests then proceeded to the dining room for drinks and dinner and were entertained by Billy and his bass player Allan Marnie during dinner, followed by the video release.

Laura Bell Adams was the event organizer and ‘held it all together,’ seamlessly according to Sande.  ABC 7 Anchor Haley Wielgus also made a special appearance and spoke to the audience.  The Sarasota Rhythm Section rounded up this perfect patriotic, energizing evening playing popular dance tunes.

The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. The organization received proceeds from ticket sales and items sold at the Back in the USA event.

The Billy Rice Band will be appearing at major events this season including Thunder By The Bay. Be sure to catch the Billy Rice video “Back in the USA,” produced by Sande Caplin & Associates, on You Tube.

For more information on Wounded Warrior Project go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

photos by Vicky Sullivan / Rock The Lens Photography and Shelby Hartshorn