SSCVA Honors Veterans, W.F. “Bill” Wellman With “A Lifetime of Showbiz” Tribute at Star Plaza Theatre

SSCVA Honors Veterans, W.F. “Bill” Wellman With “A Lifetime of Showbiz” Tribute at Star Plaza Theatre

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority and the Star Plaza Theatre honored the legacy of W.F. “Bill” Wellman and other veterans at the Star Plaza with “A Lifetime of Showbiz: A Tribute to W.F. ‘Bill’ Wellman” on Wednesday evening. The night featured remarks from some of Northwest Indiana’s legislators, a performance by the Valparaiso High School Wind Orchestra, the National Anthem sung by the Blackhawks’ own Jim Cornelison, and an interview with Bill Wellman.

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“This is on the short list of very special nights of my career,” said Speros Batistatos, President/CEO of the SSCVA. “The ability to spend time with the man who’s taught me a great deal about what we do and to raise money for veterans and bring attention to those who don’t get the attention they deserve has made this a very special evening. This was everything I hoped it would be and I hope the crowd enjoyed it half as much as I did.”

After serving time in the Marine Corps., Wellman attended Indiana University and Valparaiso University through the G.I. Bill. With his father, Wellman opened the Corral, a western-themed bar and would go on to be involved in a variety of business ventures, including the now famous Star Plaza Theatre.

“We didn’t have a real big crowd but we had a lot of sponsors and we accomplished our goal,” said Wellman. “It was fun. I do a thing with Jim Cornelison every year at Valparaiso University and he really knocks the wax out of my ears every time he sings.”

“He is a man of honor,” said Representative Pete Visclosky, who attended the event and presented video remarks from United States Senators Joe Donnelly and Dan Coats.

“His word is gold,” Visclosky said. “Whatever he tells you, you know it is the truth and I respect Bill Wellman for that. You think about all the groups, organizations and people he has helped throughout his life. He is possessive of a generous spirit and a kind and large heart that has enriched each one of us.”

Before the program started entertainment was provided by the award-winning Valparaiso High School Wind Orchestra who played rousing patriotic numbers conducted by Miguel Rosario, who was honored to be a part of the evening's festivities.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to serve the United States due to physical conditions,” said Rosario. “To be able to pay our respects through this and to be able to bring students here is just the least I could do for the men and women who serve our country.”

To honor Indiana’s fallen veterans at the event, placards with pictures and profiles of veterans who have passed were placed on seats throughout the theater to pay tribute to their service and to their sacrifice.

The money raised at the evening’s event will be used to benefit the NWI Veterans Action Council and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana to be used for a future Veterans Build home, and the American Legion Post 94 in Valparaiso.

For more information visit the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s website at: http://www.southshorecva.com/.