New Swampscott Perfoming Arts Venue To Host MCC’s First Rock Fundraiser

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The Marblehead Counseling Center will hold its first rock 'n' roll fundraiser, Swamp-Stock: Rock the Night!, on Oct. 1 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the new Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts.

The event, in the former Hawthorne restaurant building on Humphrey Street, will feature multiple North Shore bands, along with music, dancing, light appetizers and a cash bar.

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Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.

The fundraiser marks the first time Marblehead Counseling Center has held an event in Swampscott.

Ruth Ferguson, president of the center's board of directors, said the goal is to reach more people and raise awareness about the organization's services.

"We were looking for a way to reach a broader audience and get the word out to more people about what we offer," said Ferguson, President of the Board of Directors of the Counseling Center. "MCC has been around for almost six decades, providing mental health and social services to many North Shore communities. But this is the first time we've ever had an event in Swampscott, and we're thrilled."

The five-hour fundraiser will be hosted by Johnny Ray of The Beacon, Johnny Ray's Music Emporium and the Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts.

Ferguson said the center depends in part on donations and fundraising events to support its work as mental health needs continue to grow. She said more than 25 percent of MCC's operating costs come from donations and events.

Ferguson also credited Ray's support in helping launch the concert fundraiser at the new venue.

"Johnny has been such a huge supporter of MCC in the past, hosting a number of events for us at The Beacon," Ferguson notes. "We are really excited to be able to use not only his new venue, but his expertise in the music industry to make this fundraiser happen. We couldn't be more grateful."

Ellen Ziff-Kessler, who heads MCC's Development Committee, said sponsorships help reduce event costs and allow more revenue to go toward client services.

"We have had so many incredible donors for our events over the years, including many repeat sponsors, such as Johnny Ray," Ziff-Kessler said. "According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five adults in the United States and one in three young adults will report a diagnosable mental health condition this year.

"The numbers are overwhelming, and groups like MCC have their work cut out for them. We want everyone to come out and have a blast, but we are also looking for sponsors who are able to help support our cause and add to the event's proceeds."