Just in time for Independence Day, this La Cañada resident is ready to say thanks.

By Tyler BIDDLE

Singer, actress, model and La Cañada resident Amy Weber has just met her Kickstarter (a funding source for creative projects) goal to fund her music video for her newest song, “Hero.” The piece is an anthem paying tribute to men and women from all over the nation who serve in the military. Proceeds from the song and its video will go to two charities: Hounds and Heroes and Operation Gratitude.

“I wanted the song to focus on a lot of different men and women in uniform,” Weber said. “I thought, ‘Where would we be without them risking their lives to protect us every day?’ I had to pay homage to that.”

Her aim to include footage of real firemen, military personnel, and police in action has proved to be more difficult than anticipated.

“It’s tough to get people to use their uniforms on camera,” Weber said.

“Hero” marks a more serious turn in Weber’s musical career, with her previous work being primarily in the dance/pop genre. Her last hit, “Dance of Life” made it to No. 5 on Billboard’s Breakout Dance Hits and Billboard’s Top 40 Dance Charts. She also recently released an album entitled Let It Rain, the titular song for which reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Breakout Charts.

Born in Illinois, she moved to California in 1994.

“I’ve had such a varied career over the last few years,” she said. “I like anything that’s a great escape.” She loves to sing but acting is her true passion. She has worked in movies such as “Joe Dirt” and “Diablita” and TV shows including “Son of the Beach” and as a WWE Diva.

The charity Hounds and Heroes (for which Weber is an ambassador) focuses on animals in and out of service in conjunction with men and women in uniform. Hounds and Heroes often helps wounded veterans who need the assistance of a therapy or service dog when they get home, matching the service person with one. Operation Gratitude sends over 100,000 care packages annually filled with snacks, entertainment items and letters of appreciation to service personnel and their families.

Now that the project is fully funded, Weber and her crew are already underway with filming and expect the video to be finished soon.

Visit www.amyweber.com for updates on its filming and release.

  Tyler BIDDLE