“This is the first time ever that three Burbank Kiwanis clubs joined forces and worked as a team on one fundraising effort,” said Isabel Adams, member and head of publicity for the Burbank Kiwanis for Fun. “Kiwanis felt that this was a great thing to do for the children of the city, and it is a beautiful field, so we wanted to help the cause.”
The Kiwanis is one of many local organizations that has contributed to the Celebrate Gratitude Committee, a local fundraising campaign that has collected $600,000 toward the athletic project, committee Director Michael Hastings said.
“I am thrilled that we have so many people here,” Hastings said. “Seems like we have about 1,000 in the audience. It’s a great show. Captain Cardiac is just such a great group of guys, and they are all so talented.”
It wasn’t hard to get the band, which has played at the bowl more than 12 times since it formed in 1972, said Ralph Riganti, who plays guitar and sings.
“We have played all over the world, and Burbank has a special place in our hearts,” lead singer Steve Ogg said before he descended into the crowd.
The band decided to focus on oldies partly because any age group can have fun listening to them, Ogg said.
“Everywhere we play, whether it’s a hit ’60s song or a one-hit wonder, 7-year-olds and 70-year-olds alike are singing along,” he said. “It really crosses generations . . . it is accessible, danceable and upbeat.”
Marcia Baroda came out to celebrate her near 55-year John Burroughs High School reunion.
“We really want to make the community know the importance of contributing to the athletic project,” Baroda said.
Friend and fellow graduate Paula Morris also attended to support the much-needed work on the aging school fields, she said. People won’t even come to compete on the Burroughs track because of all the holes, she said.
“This concert was a great idea . . . it is wonderful to see people participating in something that helps the overall community.”
