'Rock Against Hunger' Raises Money, Awareness For Local Charities

Hundreds of local music fans trekked out to St. Luke's Episcopal Church Friday night to enjoy live music and raise money for charity. 

About 230 adults, and 40 to 50 kids under ten attended the Rock Against Hunger concert, which raised $4,300 dollars for Mount Vernon charities, said co-organizer Bill Shute.

“Everyone came together and helped,” said Shute’s wife Zelda, chair of St. Luke’s outreach committee. “The musicians were so gracious to donate their time.  They are so talented.”

Zelda came up with the idea for a concert fundraiser after learning that many local charities had not recieved as much money during the holiday season as the organizations have in previous years.

Domino's and Primo Family Restaurant donated pizza; National Beer Wholesalers Association donated beer.  Chevy's Fresh Mex donated chips and salsa.

Some of the local Mount Vernon charities that will benefit from the concert’s proceeds include United Community Ministries, Rising Hope Mission Church, New Hope Housing, and Ventures in Community Hypothermia Outreach.

“It’s to support a great cause and a great community, and we love the music,” said Debra Lane a Hollin Hills resident who attended the concert.  “It’s really fun.  We’ve been dancing.”

Local resident Judy Heiser said she attended the concert because she wanted her children to understand the importance of community service.  “I grew up in California, and we didn’t have this kind of community.  I want my kids to know they can provide, be charitable and be part of a community,” she said. 

Kim Vivaldi, who was visiting friends in Fort Hunt, said she was a fan of the concert’s headline band, . 

“I found out they were playing so I had to come up,” she said.

The band's set included covers of Earth Wind and Fire’s “Brick House” and Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind Of Wonderful.”  During the latter number, musicians gave maracas and tambourines to children and adults alike, allowing some of the audience to be part of the band. 

When Black Moon Tonic took a break, Wellington resident took the stage with three other locals – Mary Bowers, Tim Casey and Alex Roddy – to regale the audience with acoustic versions of popular songs. 

The dancing kept right on going throughout these tunes, like Alanis Morisette’s “Hand In My Pocket” and Sheryl Crow’s “Every Day Is A Winding Road”

Concert organizers say they hoped the concert not only raised money, but awareness about the importance of local charities.

“I’ve noticed the community rallying around what’s going on with the homeless situation,” said J.P. Moery, a Hollin Meadows resident.  “Route 1 is an important part of our world.  This is a large metro area, but in a way we are like a small town here.  People are pulling it up.”