Benefit to support local first responders

ACRA―Boots and buckles will soon take center stage for a special fundraiser to support local first responders.

The June 19 event at the Barn At Bowery Creek Farm includes a live country music performance by Logan Mudge, as well as line dancing and lessons with Sue Swanson of the Catskill Mountain Line Dancers and the Step Sisters Erica Hamilton and Aly Bjorkman.

“I’m excited because I’ve seen benefits for individual first responders, but I cannot remember just a dedicated first responder benefit,” said Ted Banta III of Cairo, whose new foundation, Teddy Bear Heroes, is organizing the fundraiser.

Last November, nearly 200 people packed Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Leeds to support Mudge and Meeghan Darling, a vocalist with the Second Chance Band, who were invited to sing in Nashville. Banta was among those in the crowd and the high bidder on a private show that Mudge was auctioning off.

Banta could have had Mudge at his home for an intimate performance with friends and family but instead wanted to share him with the community.

“Logan liked the idea and suggested a fundraiser for first responders,” said Banta, noting that Mudge is also a firefighter with Leeds Hose Co. #1.

“I thought absolutely, let’s do this,” Banta said.

Banta and his wife regularly hit the floor with the Catskill Mountain Line Dancers and said Swanson was more than happy to donate her time and talent, as was DJ Tom Hoose, another dancer in the group.

And in a twist―or rather two-step―of fate, members of Mudge’s family are also part of the Catskill Mountain Line Dancers and own the Barn At Bowery Creek Farm, a wedding and event venue on Bogardus Road in Acra with a breathtaking five-state mountain view.

“They said they would love to donate their space,” said Banta. “It’s a beautiful spot.”

Banta, a broker of RVW Select Properties & Premier Realty Services, had thought about establishing a community organization for years. The benefit kickstarted the idea for Teddy Bear Heroes.

The foundation’s mission is to provide “critical financial support, resources, and advocacy for first responders, their families, and survivors of domestic violence. Through strategic fundraising and community partnerships, we aim to alleviate the burdens of those who serve and those in crisis, fostering resilience, safety, and long-term stability for vulnerable populations.”

Teddy Bear Heroes’ board members include Banta, Konrad Roman, a real estate salesperson and media specialist; Holly Wanek, assistant director for Workforce Development at Columbia-Greene Community College; Cairo firefighter Mark Grupe; and Stephen Amedure, a retired New York State trooper.

“As first responders, Logan Mudge, Mark Grupe and Stephen Amedure will be responsible to identify urgent and critical needs in the first responder departments in our community and deploy financial assets accordingly with the approval of the foundation,” Banta explained.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds from the First Responders Benefit will go to first responders,” Banta said, adding that RVW Select Properties & Premier Realty Services is paying for any expenses.

The First Responders Benefit runs from 6-10 p.m. and suggested donation at the door is $20. There will be raffles, as well as food and beverages for purchase.

Banta said they are also seeking sponsors at various levels. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting the event can contact him at tedbanta3@yahoo.com

“I would love for this to be an annual thing,” said Banta.