Galas are nice. They draw a lot of high-end donors and raise a lot of money. But they don’t necessarily match the energy and the atmosphere of the Shore.
That’s why, this year, Fulfill — a nonprofit leading the fight against food insecurity in Monmouth and Ocean counties — is introducing Shore to Rock Hunger, a high-energy concert event its leaders hope will bring new awareness to an issue that impacts so many.
The event, to be held at 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, will honor Jeff Kazee of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, Brian Kirk of Brian Kirk & the Jirks and Tom Cunningham, host of “Springsteen on Sunday.”
The real fun, however, will be the music, as the following local legendary acts will perform:
- Southside Johnny;
- Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie;
- Jill Hennessy, the singer/actress from “Crossing Jordan” and “Law & Order”;
- Early Elton, featuring Jeff Kazee, Rich Pagano and John Conte;
- Brian Kirk of Brian Kirk & the Jirks;
- The House Band featuring Shawn Pelton, the Asbury Jukes Horns and G.E. Smith, former “Saturday Night Live” band leader and side man to Roger Waters, Hall & Oates, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, David Bowie and more.
Fulfill CEO Triada Stampas said she can’t wait.
Tickets
Click here to order tickets for the show.
Want to contribute or sponsor?
Not sure if you can go, but want to help? Click here for how you can contribute to the cause.
For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Kate Irving at kirving@fulfill.org.
About Fulfill
Fulfill, the food bank of Monmouth and Ocean counties, has been providing food for families at the Jersey Shore for more than 38 years. Fulfill supplies more than 1 million meals per month by distributing food to nearly 300 feeding agencies in Monmouth and Ocean counties, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters, and by delivering food to families, children, seniors, veterans and more.
Fulfill also offers a suite of programs to connect people to the resources they need to become self-sufficient. To learn more about their programs or how to get involved, click here.
“We are excited and incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to showcase these three pillars of the music community and to thank them for their support of our mission,” she said.
“We hope our community will turn out to take part in an incredible night filled with music and entertainment, as we raise enough funds to provide 1 million meals to our neighbors in need.”
The idea for the concert event came from members of Fulfill’s gala committee, who wanted to widen the tent so they could welcome new people to participate.
The concert committee said Fulfill wanted to take a different, more inclusive approach to its traditional Humanitarian Gala.
“For years, the gala was a higher-end event that honored individuals or corporations who are connected to Fulfill through significant gifts, demonstrating their commitment to fighting hunger,” committee co-Chair Rena Levy said.
“This year, we changed it up to acknowledge and honor supporters who may not make large gifts, but support Fulfill by using their talent and love for music to help raise money and spread awareness.”
Fulfill officials not only feel the concert will celebrate the members of the Jersey Shore music scene and their commitment to their local communities, but it will open the door for those who are not able to attend a traditional gala by offering a lower ticket price to gain entry.
“In the end, the night will bring people from all walks of life together with one common goal — raising much-needed funds to help Fulfill provide food, services and hope to the people of Monmouth and Ocean counties,” Stampas said.
