The Fourth Annual Wilton Rocks for Food concert fundraiser takes place Saturday, Dec. 1, at Trackside Teen Center. This year’s event will feature 35 Wilton musicians playing almost four hours of classic and contemporary rock and pop to a sold out crowd of over 300 guests.
The event raises money to benefit the CT Food Bank and the Wilton Food Pantry. Altogether, the first three events raised over $150,000, and this year organizers have an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 in a single year. As always, 100% of all money raised goes to charity.
Founded by Wilton resident Andy Schlesinger, and supported by House Band members Dan Berg and Brennan Gildersleeve, the night will showcase the breadth and depth of the musical talent in town. From first timers to seasoned pros, 15 different singers, backed by various permutations of musicians, will rock the crowd with more than 45 hits. The event features an open bar, some hors d’oeuvres and four hours of music.
To date, this year’s total is approaching $70,000, and Schlesinger believes with some new support from local businesses and families, the goal of $100,000 can be reached.
“Support is vital because this serves the most basic need people have–food. I just can’t accept that in a community as wealthy as ours people have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. These are our friends and neighbors, families going through a trauma…divorce, loss of job, death. I believe readers would be surprised if they knew the variety of families that utilize the food banks and I can’t think of a better way to give back and have a tangible local impact then to donate to Wilton Rocks for Food,” Schlesinger said.
For transparency, donors write checks directly to the recipient organizations, either the CT Food Bank and/or the Wilton Community Assistance Fund. Both are 501 (c)(3) organizations and all contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.
There are two ways to contribute to Wilton Rocks for Food. The first, and easiest, is with a cash donation. There is no minimum, and while individual tickets are sold out, corporate and individual sponsorships that include tickets are still available.
The second is through a donation to the silent auction. Last year’s auction had over 70 items that raised more than $15,000.
“Big items are great, like vacation homes, rounds of golf, restaurant gift certificates, TVs, watches etc. But we also raised a lot with $50 and $100 store gift certificates. Don’t think your contribution is too small, because it’s not. And for local businesses, it’s a win win as shoppers come to your store and you are part of something good,” says Schlesinger.
In an appeal to GMW readers, Schlesinger adds, “If every reader donated one ‘family night out’ we could exceed our goal and help those for whom a night out isn’t an option.”
For more information visit the Wilton Rocks for Food website.