Saturday’s haul of more than $80,000 raised for charity by Wilton Rocks for Food is an astounding feat, compounded by even more incredible facts:  tickets for the concert’s third year reportedly sold out the first day they went on sale, and the overall tally raised in three years now tops $155,000 to fight hunger here in Wilton and in Fairfield County.

The organizer of the concerts, Andy Schlesinger, was recognized at Monday evening’s Board of Selectmen‘s meeting, at which first selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice called him, “the brains and muscle behind the effort.” She added that the show has now become a “major, signature event in Wilton.”

“You really do symbolize the generosity of this community. All of us have lived here for a number of years, we know this to be a generous community, and you really symbolize it. We really want to say thank you,” Vanderslice said.

Schlesinger sent out his own long list of thank you credits, reflecting how many people get behind this effort to raise funds for the Wilton Food Pantry and the CT Food Bank.

“And it’s over. Including Sponsors, donors, tickets sales and the silent auction, Wilton Rocks for Food raised over $80,000 in support of the Wilton Food Pantry and the CT Food Bank. 35 musicians played four hours of music to over 300 supporters. I have so many people to thank I don’t know where to begin.

“First, the musicians. To Dan Berg (Bass) and Brennan Gildersleeve (drums), the greatest house band anyone could ask for. Their dedication and skill are the glue that keeps us together. On Vocals–Jason Coviello, Adrienne Reedy, Donna Savage, Gerry Lee, Graham Sultan, Jeff Fox, Joan Wallace, Karen Williams, Kelley Addison, Mike Oliver, Patty Perry, Matt Greene, Brian Fitzgerald. On Bass–Bruce Reznik, Tim Flanagan, John Taylor. On guitar–Alex Sherk, Ben Randol, Dave Sonatore, Ian Brown, Jack Jackson, John Taylor, Mark Dodman, Matt Greene, Jeff Fox. On Keys–Kelley Addison, Tom Santocroce, Dan Berg. On sax–Dave Gould. On violin–McNeil Johnston and Alyssia Love. On drums–Brian Gruseke, Chris Peacock, Dave McNamara, Greg Feldman.

“Our Corporate Sponsors–Anonymous, Bankwell, ASML, Ed’s Garage Doors, Dreyfus Investments, Northeast Veterinary Dermatology Specialists, Edgewater Markets, Metroflor Corporation, Breitling, Southern Glazer Wine.
Our Individual Sponsors–The Schlesinger Family, The Alexander Family Foundation, Steve and Tamara Kalin, The Stroup Family, McNeil Johnston, The Jasinski Family, The Meyer Family, The Rich Family, Michael Crystal, The Wilson Family, Lynn and Paul Vanderslice, Anne Khanna, Elizabeth O’Connell, Denise Brown, The Siegel Family, The Lee Family.

“Our Silent Auction Donors. Consider supporting them like they support us. Keep it local. Kelley Addison, AJ Gundel, Anytime Fitness, Aroma Spa, Blue Star Bazaar, Bragg Builders, C2 Education, Cactus Rose, Cindy Sinor, Cottage Restaurant, Dinner at your Door, Dr. Elihu Rosen, Farah’s Farm, Lauren Galardi, Hillary Springel, Rodger and Lori Smith, Jade Active Lifestyle, Joan Wallace and McNeil Johnston, Joyride Wilton, Little Pub Wilton, Local Soul, Love n Light Reiki, Massage Green Spa, N&C Equestrian, The NFL, Nod Hill Soaps, Open House Gift Shop, Outlaw Energy Drink, The Painted Cookie, Peaches Restaurant, PTP Fitness, Reflexology, Renaissance Beauty, The Ridgefield Playhouse, Rings End, Rob Van Keuren, Rockwell Framing, School of Rock, Schoolhouse Restaurant, The Traveling Art Framer, Ring’s End, Stella and Dot, Steve Mancini, The Pilates Advantage, Stew Leonard’s, The Voice Studio, Total Wine, Trackside Teen Center, Wilton Handyman, Wilton Hardware, Wilton Playshop, Ed’s Garage Doors, Claudia Duvall, The Ridgefield Playhouse.

“Delicious catering donated by Marianne Wilson.

“Great press from GOOD Morning Wilton, Wilton Bulletin, The Villager.

“Venue donated by Trackside Teen Center.

“Special thanks to all my amazing friends who help put this party on. Starting with my wife Kim Pearson, the capo di tutti capi. The worlds greatest party planners–Kim Rogg, Jennifer Gruseke, Dawn Jasinski, Deb Chrabolowski, Barb Cunningham. The best bartenders any liver can ask for–Russ Rogg, Brian Gruseke, Joel Jasinski, Rich Cunningham. Jason Coviello for the taps, Gerry Lee for the wine.

“Last but not least, thanks to everyone who bought a ticket and made this event such a smashing success. We helped a lot of people and everyone involved should be proud.

“Save the date. December 1, 2018. Wilton Rocks for Food 4.

Thank you

Andy Schlesinger