WEST CHESTER, PA — Local musicians will take the stage in West Chester this December to help veterans receiving residential treatment at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, as the Drumroll Please Project celebrates becoming an official Pennsylvania nonprofit with an evening of live music and community fundraising.
The volunteer-run organization will host its DPP Launch Party on Friday, Dec. 11, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Chester County History Center. The benefit concert will feature emerging and established local musicians donating their time and talent to support veterans working toward recovery and greater independence.
Proceeds will help provide seasonal clothing, health and hygiene supplies, food and rideshare cards for veterans enrolled in the Coatesville VA’s residential rehabilitation program. The transportation assistance helps veterans attend medical appointments, job interviews and family visits.
The celebration marks a milestone for an organization that began seven years ago with a percussion teacher, one of his students and a modest collection of donations from friends and family.
Anthony Cracchiolo, a local percussion instructor and founder of the Drumroll Please Project, started the effort to collect essential supplies for veterans receiving care at the Coatesville VA Medical Center.
What began as a small volunteer initiative has developed into an annual fundraising effort. Last year, the project raised more than $10,000 to support veterans’ needs.
Now operating as a registered Pennsylvania charity, the organization has established a $15,000 fundraising goal for 2026. Reaching that target would provide a full year of clothing, health and hygiene essentials for veterans participating in residential treatment.
The December concert offers residents an opportunity to contribute while enjoying performances by musicians from the surrounding community.
Because the performers are volunteering their services, the evening will bring together local musical talent and supporters around a shared goal of helping veterans access everyday necessities.
Event Details
- What: Drumroll Please Project Launch Party and benefit concert supporting veterans at the Coatesville VA Medical Center
- When: Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
- Where: Chester County History Center, 225 N. High St., West Chester, PA 19380
- Cost/Tickets: $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Valid identification is required for bar access.
- More Info: Tickets and donations are available at https://drumrollpleaseproject.org/launch
The fundraiser focuses on practical assistance that can make a difference in veterans’ daily lives. Seasonal clothing helps meet changing weather needs, while hygiene supplies and food provide essentials during residential treatment.
Rideshare cards offer another form of support, helping veterans reach appointments, pursue employment opportunities and maintain connections with their families.
The Drumroll Please Project operates entirely through volunteers, continuing the community-supported approach that has sustained its work since its founding.
Residents who cannot attend the concert can still contribute through the organization’s website. Donations will support the same effort to provide essential items and transportation assistance to veterans at the Coatesville VA.
With its new nonprofit status and expanded fundraising goal, the Drumroll Please Project is building on seven years of local support while inviting the Chester County community to help sustain its work for another year.
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