the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Rahway NJ, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is excited to announce its 4th Annual Benefit Concert for the Homeless, taking place on Saturday, November 13, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, featuring the iconic 1960s band, Tommy James and the Shondells.
Tickets for the concert range from $30 to $150, and all ticket proceeds will directly support the Catholic Charities’ ongoing homeless programs and services, which provide assistance to thousands of men, women, and families each year. This is made possible thanks to the commitment of numerous sponsors whose backing effectively underwrites the expenses for the artist and production.
“We are most thankful for the support we have already received for this show,” stated John Westervelt, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, “and we hope that people will come to enjoy a great night of classic music while supporting a very worthy cause. Our homeless programs are always in need of supplementary funding, and this benefit concert will substantially help to close a financial gap in our operations.”
Now entering his 53rd year in the music business, Tommy James continues to tour the country with his strong, expressive voice and a catalog of upbeat pop tunes that have a solid rock and roll punch. Tommy James and the Shondells had its first #1 hit, “Hanky Panky,” in 1966. The band went on to produce a string of successful pop/rock tunes including “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Crimson & Clover,” “Mony,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Draggin the Line,” “Sweet Cherry Wine,” “Three Times in Love,” and “Mirage”……totaling 23 gold records, 9 platinum albums, over 100 million records sold worldwide, and 32 Billboard Hot 100 Chart Hits.
Due to new safety protocols instituted by the Union County Performing Arts Center, all attendees will be required to show a proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID-19 test, and wear a mask inside unless they are eating or drinking.
Sponsors supporting the event include Goya, NJ Imaging Network, Quick Copper Communications, United Healthcare NJ, Investors Bank, Jackson Lewis, David & Christina McAleer, Andy & Gina Wood, St. Peter’s University, Newport Construction, Gallagher, Marzulli, Anselmi & DiCicco, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, Place Vendome/Summit, US PASS, Accurate Diagnostic Labs, Matt & Kelly Fulton, Faith Menard, and Rendina.
To purchase tickets directly from UCPAC, call 732-499-8226 or visit www.ucpac.org. To support the event, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/n4u/.
For more information, contact Peter Ruccione at Catholic Charities at 973-818-4060 or pruccione@ccannj.org.