Arts & Entertainment
Singing Out Against Hunger Entertains And Raises Awareness [VIDEO]
Musicians gather together to raise money for local food pantries.
Local musicians and vocalists showcased their talents last weekend for the four-day benefit Singing Out Against Hunger. More than 40 acts performed over four days, Sept. 15 through Sept. 18 in Tiverton at and .
In its ninth year, the Singing Out Against Hunger benefit’s mission is to raise money and collect food to support the food pantries at the (EBCAP). More than $76,000 has been raised since the event began and that money goes directly to the communities of Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport to which the program serves.
This year, EBCAP officials expect to receive enough donations to fill the Tiverton Food Pantry and assist the Little Compton Food Pantry. The fundraiser feeds approximately 3,000 people per year. A final tally of how much was raised was not available Monday.
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Co-President of the board and owner of Evenlyn’s Drive-In, Jane Bitto, many years ago and decided to bring those teachings to life.
“It is way beyond a small idea,” Bitto said. “Each member of the committee takes on a different responsibility. It takes everyone to make this event happen."
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Kim Lamothe, music coordinator and member of the board, organized all of the singers and musicians. She said music can be a vehicle for many people to help out when they otherwise would not.
“I’m a musician, I know lots of musicians so everything just fell into place,” Lamothe said. “It’s important to use music as a tool to help people.”
Gary Fish, another committee member, has been part of “Singing Out Against Hunger” for the past eight years. Also a singer/songwriter, Fish recognizes the power music has in a small community.
“This event supports people who really need food," he said. "All the musicians work for free and are really great.”
Brendan Whipple of Westport and member of the Kim Lamothe Tree-oh has participated in “Singing Out” for the past six years. Not only is he a performer, but he also serves as the sound technician.
“Not only does it help people in need, it raises awareness," Whipple said. "Hunger can get overlooked, especially in a more affluent part of the world."
“I go home and feed my family with no problem,” added Bitto. “Lots of decent people have trouble with that everyday.”
On Nov. 5, “Singing Out Against Hunger” is hosting another event at the . Tickets can be gotten at the door and are paid for by donation only.