FUNNY-MAN PAT MCGANN LAUGHS IT UP AT RAUE CENTER

<Crystal Lake>, IL –August 1, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the return of funny-man Pat McGann for an evening of stand-up comedy, on September 9, 2023 at 7 pm. 

 

Fresh from his sold-out run at the Chicago Theater this past spring, McGann has quickly risen as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world. Pat began stand-up at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of 3 young children, Pat’s appeal stems from his quick wit & relatable take on family life & marriage.

 

“It is so great to see Pat’s career take off over the years.  He’s really a great guy on stage and off,” explains Raue Center director, Richard Kuranda.  “He’s coming off of sold-out shows at the Vic, Carolines’ in NYC, and touring with Sebastian worldwide.  His special on Amazon is hysterical. Now is your chance to see him back here again at the Raue!”

 

In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs, to theater, and to arenas, including 4 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and the Nashville Comedy Fest. McGann still calls Chicago home. Now McGann brings his brand of comedy to Raue Center! 

 

Tickets start at $40 ($28 for RaueNOW Members)  and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians, and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Raue Center Welcomes Derrick Procell as 2023-24 Season  Artist in Residence 

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 8, 2023 – Raue Center is proud to welcome favorite Derrick Procell as its 2023-24 season artist in residence. Join us for multiple engagements with this award-winning singer-songwriter, and Catfood Records original recording artist. Each evening of music will be a unique exploration of Procell’s personal journey as a musician.  

 

Join us on October 12, 2023, for an evening of Rockin’ Soul/Blues with Derrick and his All-Star Mojo Band. Explore  Derrick’s creative process and collaboration with songwriting partner Terry Abrahamson on November 16, 2023. Delve  into music as activism on February 15, 2024, for an evening inspired by causes close to Derrick’s heart. Finally, don’t miss  his final performance on March 21, 2024, which will be a big party with special guests! 

 

“As our third Artist in Residence, Derrick brings tremendous joy and energy to the upcoming year!” explains Raue  Center’s executive director Richard Kuranda. “Last year, his album launch with us for “Hello Mojo!” catapulted him to  the national charts. He’s got a great rapport with the audience as a consummate entertainer. He’s one of the hardest working artists in Contemporary Blues!”  

 

“Many folks see the word Blues–especially when connected to Chicago– and think of only one kind of music,” explains Procell.  “The Blues is a much wider genre…including Soul Blues, Blues Rock, Contemporary Blues, Electric Blues…the list goes on!”

 

Originally from Milwaukee, Derrick Procell is a sought-after frontman, vocalist, and musician performing as a solo artist,  with his band Derrick Procell and the Redeemers, and as Van Morrison and Joe Cocker with Soundtracks of a Generation.  An incredible singer and songwriter, Derrick’s songs have been recorded by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Logan  Daniels, and Melissa Manchester. You have heard Derrick’s songs on My Name is Earl, TrueBlood, Criminal Minds, Boston  Legal, Saving Grace, The Office, This Is Us, King of the Hill, and the Oscar-nominated film, Lady Bird. His latest album  “Hello Mojo” spent more than 30 weeks, including 7 weeks at Number One, on the Soul Blues Roots Music Report  charts.  

 

Linda Cain of Chicago Blues Guide calls Procell’s music “a treasure trove of richly detailed story-songs that immerse the  listener in the blues experience from the Delta to Chicago and beyond. Blues fans around the world seeking smart,  powerful modern blues songs that honor the legacy of the genre’s masters will find it here.” 

 

Tickets start at $30 ($21* for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office  at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows.  

 

About Raue Center For The Arts 

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they  have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly  restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest  stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of  the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal  Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.  

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Raue Center Goes Back to School with Teacher’s Lounge Comedy

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 8, 2023 – Raue Center goes back to school with an A+ comedy show guaranteed to make the grade! Don’t be tardy for Teacher’s Lounge Comedy, a hilarious night of stand-up where real teachers-turned-comics take the stage to share their unique experiences, anecdotes, and frustrations about school life and being an educator. Join us as these witty educators let loose, dish out comedic stories, and poke fun at the ups and downs of their profession, on September 15, 2023, at 7 pm. 

The show features comics Bill Gorgo, Brian Noonan, and Jeanie Doogan. From navigating the quirks of unruly students to tackling overzealous parents, these comedians provide a light-hearted and relatable perspective on the joys and challenges of teaching, cleverly weaving together their experiences with sharp observations, witty one-liners, and amusing impersonations.

Bill Gorgo is an author, actor, award-winning storyteller, and a regular in talk radio. He’s taught high school and middle school – everything from dramatic arts to algebra –  and currently teaches standup classes and mentors several young comedians. 

Brian Noonan has been entertaining people with his comedy, radio shows, and television appearances for over two decades. Brian began substitute teaching in Berwyn District 100. He has spent time in rooms from pre-school to fifth grade and from structured classes to specials.  Brian is a host on WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee. He was also a longtime host on WGN Radio and has appeared on The Tonight Show and Malcolm in the Middle

Jeanie Doogan has set herself apart with her quick observations and no-apology take on teaching, parenthood, and American culture. Her sharp wit draws on her experiences growing up on the South side of Chicago and 20 years as a public school teacher to deliver comedy that reaches audiences from all walks of life.

The evening is curated and hosted by John DaCosse, curator for Raue Cente’s Lucy’s Comedy series. John is known as a WGN Radio personality. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Tickets start at $30  ( $21 for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Raue Center’s 3rd Annual Outdoor Series Arts On The Green returns with David Sarkis and Friends.

Crystal Lake>, IL – Raue Center’s 3rd Annual Arts On The Green kicks off its 2023 summer outdoor season with David Sarkis & Friends with special guest Katherine Hines Saturday, July 8 @ 7 pm.

From the farm fields of northern Wisconsin to the beaches of the Gulf coast: David Sarkis’ wide-ranging style of acoustic music has made a name for himself on and off the stage. From Thursday nights at Duke O’Brien’s to the Schubert Theater run of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys to PBS sensation Under the Streetlamp,  Sarkis has left a trail of smiles and fond memories across the country.

Joined by an array of lifelong friends and featuring special guest teen vocal sensation Katherine Hines from the gulf coast of Florida, this promises to be a night of music to remember!

Tickets start at $25 ($17.50 for RaueNOW Members)* and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box
Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30%
Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows.

About Raue Center For The Arts
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Little Things – A Nuno Twins short film

Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm
@Raue Center For The Arts
in partnership with CL The Break
Post-screening Q&A with filmmakers and female lead

Free admission. $5 suggested donation.
Proceeds benefit The Break Teen Center and Raue Center. 

A young woman (Lauryn Lugo) walks about her suburban hometown one night in search of the meaning of life. Please stay for the post-screening Q&A featuring The Nuno Twins and lead actress Lauryn Lugo, with The Break’s Andy Breen and Ashley Burk.

Donations support Raue Center For The Arts and The Break Teen Center whose mission it is to provide adolescents and young adults a safe and stimulating environment for connecting, having fun, and finding acceptance among peers and adults in the community.

Shift: Ragbrai Biking documentary

Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 3:00 pm
@ Raue Center For The Arts

$5 admission at the door.
Proceeds benefit Raue Center and Des Moines Film.

In the five decades since about 300 brave souls set out on that first ride in 1973, RAGBRAI — the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — has grown into the oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world.

Follow three riders and a pair of community leaders as they reach new personal heights, changing their lives in seven days and finding themselves — literally and metaphorically — in the middle of nowhere.

This film is presented by the Des Moines Register. Please support our work by making a tax-deductible donation to our fiscal sponsor, Des Moines Film. You can support the film by donating through the link below, or by mailing a check payable to Des Moines Film to: Des Moines Film, 1207 25th St., Des Moines, IA 50311. Please note on your check that the donation is for Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary. Can you find yourself in the middle of nowhere? The story of RAGBRAI is told through ground-breaking photography and intimate interviews with three riders and a pair of community leaders as they overcome extreme conditions and personal hurdles to find peace, redemption, and clarity while bicycling across Iowa.

Directors: Kelsey Kremer and Courtney Crowder | Run Time: 57 min | Release Year: 2023

Starring: Dayna Chandler, Torie Giffin, Daniel Giffin, Andrew Boddicker, Ian Zahren, Adam Lineberry and Liam Lineberry.

Documentary Film starring local residents gets special screening at Raue Center

<Crystal Lake>, IL –May 17, 2023 – Raue Center is proud to announce the film screening of “Ball Was Life,” a documentary film about a group of middle-aged men who recruit their sons to maintain their dominance in the local men’s recreational basketball league on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 3 p.m.

 

Led by Kevin aka “Slim the Barber,” the team has played together for years, winning several championships. But with age catching up, they turn to their sons to keep their winning streak alive. The film follows their journey through the inaugural season, as they face new challenges and rivalries.

 

“I am super excited to show “Ball Was Life” at Raue Center,” explains Kevin Slimko. “Growing up in Algonquin, the Downtown Crystal Lake Showplace was THE theater to see a movie at. I was also in The Williams Street Rep’s improv group for several years. During that time, I gained a new appreciation for community theater and further cemented my belief of how important the Raue Center is to Crystal Lake in general but especially downtown.  I’ve owned Slim’s in downtown CL for almost 18 years and really feel like part of the community and could not be happier with a movie premiere location.”

 

Join us for this premiere screening as a part of Raue Center’s Summer Film Series. We promise an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, laughter, and love for the game. Featuring: Kevin and Calvin Slimko, David Binion and David Binion Jr., Wallace, Julian and Anthony Lynch, Mike Clarke, Adam Pischke, and Sherick Simpson.

 

Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit Raue Center For The Arts and film creator Kevin “Slim” Slimko. For more information or to see a complete list of our upcoming events visit rauecenter.org, call our Box Office at 815.356.9212 visit us in person at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

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Raue Center announces 3rd Annual Arts On The Gren Outdoor Summer Series

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 24, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts presents its third annual outdoor summer series ARTS ON THE GREEN at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church,  210 McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake! Space is limited at Arts on the Green so order tickets early and plan your visit to this charming venue. Patrons can bring blankets, chairs, and refreshments to enjoy while listening to great entertainment in the great outdoors! 

Blues, jazz, folk, and rock concerts on the green grass of St. Mary’s begin July 8 at 7 pm with Raue Center 2022-23 season acoustic artist Dave Sarkis & Friends. From the farm fields of northern Wisconsin to the beaches of the Gulf Coast: David Sarkis’ wide-ranging style of acoustic music has made a name for himself on and off the stage. From Thursday nights at Duke O’Brien’s to the Schubert Theater run of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys to PBS sensation Under the Streetlamp: Sarkis has left a trail of smiles and fond memories across the country.  Joined by an array of lifelong friends and featuring special guest teen vocal sensation Katherine Hines from the gulf coast of Florida, this promises to be a night of music to remember!

Tina Naponelli returns in Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King on July 15 @ 7 pm. With her powerful voice and soulful dedication, Naponelli has captured the true essence of King in this unique and unforgettable tribute experience. Backed by a bold five-piece band, Naponelli pays homage to the iconic Queen of Pop with impressive renditions of “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Chains” and “You’ve Got a Friend” from King’s “Tapestry” album as well as other favorites.

Satisfy your love of all things Broadway with a tribute to Tony and Grammy Award Winner Stephen Sondheim on Saturday, July 22 @ 7 pm. Sondheim, a giant in American musical theatre, won 8 Tony Awards. On what would have been Stephen Sondheim’s 93rd birthday, an all-star cast of national touring artists are honoring him with a heartfelt evening of some of his most popular songs, including hits from “West Side Story,” “Company,” “Into the Woods,” “Sunday in the Park with George” and many more. 

Go back to your roots with Forever Simon And Garfunkel on Saturday, July 29 @ 8pm. This tribute celebrates the best-selling duo in rock’n’roll history with humor, soaring energy, charm, and harmony! Sean Altman & Jack Skuller lead the audience on a concert journey through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and even some of Paul Simon’s solo career. The Sound Of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Mrs. Robinson, I Am A Rock, The Boxer, Homeward Bound, Cecilia, Hazy Shade Of Winter, Feeling Groovy, Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Kodachrome, and many more!

On Saturday, August 26 at  7 pm, SoundTracks Of A Generation presents Ladies Of The Canyon: a Tribute to Linda Ronstadt and Joni Michell. Heather Wood and Julie Miller take us on a joyful, entertaining journey showcasing the best-loved songs by these groundbreaking artists who fearlessly challenged stylistic boundaries over their long careers creating timeless music.

Tickets start at $25 ($17.50 for RaueNOW Members)  and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Raue Center’s Arts On The Green runs July – August on St. Mary’s Episcopal Church campus, 210 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL l 60014. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

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Famed Blues Guitarist Robert Cray brings his band to Raue Center

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – May 30, 2023 – The Robert Cray Band will be touring the US and UK for the first time since the 2020 release of his album, “That’s What I Heard.” and they’re coming to Raue Center September 8, 2023, @ 8 p.m.

“Funky, cool and bad,” is how Cray describes the Grammy-nominated album, produced by longtime collaborator, Steve Jordan, who adds, “I thought, if we could get this thing that Sam Cooke used to have, the kind of sound that early Sam Cooke records had, that we could pull this off.”

 

“Robert Cray is not only making music, he’s making history,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. Over the past four decades, Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots, blues, soul, and R&B, with five Grammy wins, 20 acclaimed studio, and live albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famer’s career. On That’s What I Heard, Robert celebrates the music of Curtis

   

Mayfield, Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Sensational Nightingales, and more, alongside Cray’s own songs. Cray and Jordan go way back, having met during the making of the Chuck Berry documentary Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll, in 1987. They started working together in 1999, when Jordan produced the Grammy-winning Take Your Shoes Off, and the recent Grammy-nominated LP, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm. That’s What I Heard is their sixth album. “Once you start working with Steve, it’s kind of hard to get away from him,” said Robert.

 

“Robert is just a great person besides being extraordinary talent,” adds Jordan. “People gravitate to his guitar playing first, but I think he’s one of the best singers I’ve heard in my life. Not only because of his singing ability but his interpretations. He’s such an honest soul in my opinion.”

Robert’s band features Richard Cousins (bass), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), Terence F. Clark (drums), and Steve Jordan (drums, percussion).

Tickets for Robert Cray start at $50* ($35* for RaueNOW Members) Purchase tickets online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

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DAVE MATTHEWS TRIBUTE BAND RETURNS TO ROCK RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill.May 22, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts in historic Crystal Lake, IL wants audiences to relive their glory days with Dave Matthews Tribute Band, August 12, 2023 at 8 pm. 

 

Since 2004, The DMTB is the only nationally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. This 5-piece ensemble strives to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, intensity, and intimacy of a DMB live show. For nearly 20 years, the band has been performing sold-out shows around the world; playing over 1,500 dates in 46 states and 8 countries. 

 

While most fans never witnessed the real band before they became the platinum-selling artists they are today, The Dave Matthews Tribute Band prides itself on giving audiences this opportunity at intimate venues around the world. 

 

As Rick Grant of Entertaining U in Jacksonville, FL wrote, “The Dave Matthews Tribute Band…is exceptionally tight and produces a solid groove over which the players improvise with hot chops.”

 

Beyond mastering the DMB sound and the relentless touring, what separates The Dave Matthews Tribute Band from other cover bands is their passion, love, and respect for DMB and their music. That is what makes you come out of one of their shows saying, “Yeah, they really do sound like the real Dave Matthews Band.”

 

Tickets start at $30 ($21 for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

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