In a Tornado, What Would You Run to Save?

    CHICAGO, IL, December 03, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- We've all asked ourselves the question: Should we ever be confronted with a natural disaster - a tornado, a hurricane, a flood - what is the one thing we'd go for that would give us solace, were we to lose everything? Most often, the answer would be: The photographs. It's a universal sentiment that has found its way into "Running for Photographs," a heartrending music video featuring family photos and keepsakes that were scattered hundreds of miles across the states and discovered in the aftermath of the recent tornadoes that pounded the Midwest. Dedicated to storm victims everywhere and to all those who help, the music video is posted on YouTube at http://youtu.be/71XBxHCk-kE.

Chicago/Nashville songwriter Laura Stigler-Marier was moved to write the song "Running for Photographs" following the devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma last May. But after her home state of Illinois was hit on November 17th, it was time to put the song to use. With a musical arrangement by Donn Marier, and featuring Nashville artist /native Chicagoan Jacky Dustin, "Running for Photographs" was recorded. The accompanying music video was then produced by Laura and husband Ken Marier.

What sparked the video was a "Found Photos" Facebook group page that Ken brought to Laura's attention, where people have been posting the lost photographs and items belonging to the recent storm victims. Says Laura, "Seeing these people in happier times, not knowing what the future would hold - it packs such an emotional punch, bringing the story home and straight into our hearts." The song, however, does end on a hopeful note, reflecting the indomitable human spirit that surfaces in the most trying of times. "I'm always struck by how people who seem to have lost it all will look at it as a new beginning. Like nothing else can, it reminds us of what matters most in life."

Freely available for fundraising use, "Running for Photographs" is posted on YouTube along with links to relief organizations. If you'd like the link to a particular relief organization posted in the description area of the video, please send it to [email protected].

CONTACT:
Laura Stigler-Marier
[email protected]
312-968-0158 (M)

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