Rocking Out For Charity

Get ready to rock, Mount Vernon.

St. Luke’s Church will host its first ever benefit tomorrow night. Local musicians Black Moon Tonic and Gretchen Purser will co-headline this benefit, which will help four Mount Vernon charities in a time where giving has decreased due to the poor economy.

”I was truly thrilled that Black Moon Tonic and Gretchen Purser were so quick to offer to help when we were talking about wanting to host an event to help our local Mount Vernon area charities.  They not only are fabulous musicians, but they have big hearts,” remarked Zelda Shute, outreach chairman, St. Luke’s Church. “We are blessed to have their talent and generosity in our local neighborhood.”

According to Shute, the St. Luke’s Outreach Committee will donate 100% of proceeds to local nonprofits. Proceeds will be split equally among UCM, Rising Hope Church, New Hope Housing, and Good Shepherd Housing.

Said Chris Bramante of New Hope Housing, “We are very appreciative of their help.”

Local crowd-pleaser Black Moon Tonic signed on to the event after meeting Shute at a party in November, when the benefit was in its early planning stages.  

"Black Moon Tonic is thrilled to be part of the Rock Against Hunger event. All of us in the band love nothing more than playing music for our neighbors in the Fort Hunt community,” said band member Jim Webb. “But this event is even more special because we are helping to raise money for local charities that directly impact those in our own community who are struggling financially. We are hoping for a big turnout from our local neighborhoods to show support for such a worthy cause."

Added Shute, “The Mount Vernon area's Rock Against Hunger will be a fun night - with music, dancing, and enjoying and helping neighbors in the process, it's going to be a good time!”

Mount Vernon’s Rock Against Hunger starts at 7 p.m. on Friday. Admission for guests ages 11 and older is $10, with free admission for kids younger than age 10.