ITHACA, N.Y. —Leslie Danks Burke, the candidate challenging incumbent Republican state Senator Tom O’Mara in November’s general election, held a socially-distanced drive-in movie fundraiser over the weekend.
The sold-out event drew 85 cars to Serendipity Catering’s Backlot location at the South Hill Business Campus in Ithaca. Brett Bossard and Joey Steinhagen shared hosting duties and the audience was presented with “Albany Bound: The Musical,” a parody musical.
“2020 is a powerfully complex year, no doubt. We’re keeping our spirits up despite uncertainty all around us by banding together to fight and win a seat at the table for our region, which has had decades of neglect,” said Danks Burke in a press release. “Our event shows we can have fun, celebrate the talent in our community, and raise our voice together even when we’re staying distanced. The artists who created this funny and mighty film, and every local business we hired to bring their talent to the event shows how much we can achieve as a community, and I am truly grateful,”
The musical was written by Rachel Lampert and directed by Lesley Greene and Lampert and featured students and local actors.
“The drive-in fundraiser was such a great opportunity to bring our community together safely and build support for Leslie’s campaign in an enjoyable way,” Lampert. “At this moment in particular, it’s so important that we support leaders like Leslie who are dedicated to fighting for the people of our community and truly listening to our needs. I’m thrilled I was able to debut my work at such a fun event and support Leslie’s run for State Senate in the process.”
Danks Burke is an attorney and longtime advocate of healthcare, childcare and rural economy. She has previously picked up the endorsements of New York’s Sen. Chuck Schumer, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 267, and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Working Families Party.
The general elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.