'Wilton Rocks For Food' Continues Fundraising Efforts

WILTON, CT — The Wilton Rocks for Food concert may be cancelled by the pandemic this year, but its spirit and charitable efforts carry on.

Each year since 2015, Wilton's Andy Schlesinger has bought together local musicians for sold-out concerts that benefit the Food Bank and the Wilton Community Pantry. Last year's show raised over $135,000, and brought the five-year total for the benefit concert series to more than $415,000.

This year, that same coronavirus pandemic that has forced the cancellation of the 2020 concert is also responsible for even more people than ever needing the Food Bank's services, Schlesinger wrote in his fundraising appeal.

"That's why I’m asking all of you to give to Wilton Rocks for Food this year. As an enticement, I will offer this. The first 100 people who donate $300 or more (the price of a pair of tickets) are guaranteed the option to purchase a pair of tickets to next year's event, up until November 15," Schlesinger wrote.

For the 2019 show, Schlesinger recruited 35 musicians who performed at Trackside Teen Center in Wilton.

So far this year, he has raised $5,000 towards a goal of $75,000. Donations may be made online at the group's website. One hundred percent of funds donated go to charity.

"Although your donation won't get you 'tickets' this year, you still get the satisfaction of making someone's life better," Schlesinger said.