Support Homeless Veterans, Enjoy Music At 2nd Point Beach Cares Concert

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — In March 2022, hundreds of people turned out to support efforts to assist refugees from the war in Ukraine at the Point Beach Cares concert.

The event, pulled together in just a matter of weeks, raised $200,000 for Ukraine relief efforts.

Inspired by that response, organizers are bringing the concert back for 2023. This time, their goal is to raise $150,000 to assist homeless veterans.

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra announced the concert on his Facebook page Friday afternoon.

"We're going to keep the caring going," Kanitra said.

The concert is set for Saturday, May 13 at Jenkinson's Pavilion, and proceeds will go to Soldier On, a private nonprofit organization that works with individual veterans through a variety of need-based solutions, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing. It provides direct supportive services and temporary financial assistance.

"The goal is to provide homeless or at-risk homeless veterans with permanent, supportive, sustainable housing with services" and allow them to "reclaim their place in the community while returning meaning, dignity, and hope to their lives," according to its mission statement.

Kanitra's announcement said the lineup so far includes David Bryan from Bon Jovi, who will be jamming with The Eddie Testa Band, and Marc Ribler and Friends.

"We have an incredibly high-powered surprise act to close things out that we'll be announcing in a few weeks," the announcement said.

The organizers are seeking sponsorships and offering VIP packages. Information on those and tickets for the event are available at www.PointBeachCares.com.