7th Annual ‘Rock for Food’ teaming up with Wing Fest to Benefit Food Bank

Some of Western New York’s top music acts will be gathering together for an evening of live original music to help the hungry in anticipation of the Holiday season. Now in its 7th year of existence, “Rock for Food 2008” - presented by The National Buffalo Wing Festival and FRANK'S® REDHOT® Cayenne Pepper Sauce - will be held on Friday, August 29th at The Pearl Street Grill & Brewery on 76 Pearl Street in downtown Buffalo. The event is a benefit for The Food Bank of Western New York, and the organizers are pleased to announce that “Rock for Food 2008” is now the official kickoff party for The National Buffalo Wing Festival.

The event will feature the best in regional music on 2 stages – indoors and outdoors. Prominent local artists on this year’s bill include The Scott Celani Band, Mo Porter, Dee Adams, Skyjuice, Korki & Lori, The Fated Grey, Melissa Kate, Rob Falgiano, Lenny Revell and more. The event will also feature guest celebrity bartenders Mary Friona, Jodi Johnston & Matt Pearl from WGRZ Channel 2, Janet Snyder from Kiss 98.5, Drew Cerza "The Wing King" and many more.

“Rock for Food 2008” is both a fundraiser and a food drive. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring out non-perishable food items in support of the Food Bank, and 100% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Food Bank.

“This is now our 7th year, and we always strive to build on what we did the year before,” says Celani, the event’s founder. “We’ve moved the event back downtown where it belongs, and teaming up with The Wing Festival is very exciting. The ticket price is still very reasonable, and that is due to our generous sponsors, who are a true testament to the spirit of this community. The sponsors allow us to cover all production and promotion expenses so that 100% of the ticket proceeds go to The Food Bank, as well as the food donations. ”

The Food Bank is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to obtain food and support from public and private sources and efficiently redistributes these resources to affiliated charitable providers such as soup kitchens, pantries and shelters.

"We are extremely grateful to have a show of this magnitude benefiting the Food Bank and its member agencies that feed our hungry neighbors," said Thomas R. Heine, President & CEO of The Food Bank of WNY.

“Rock for Food 2008” begins promptly at 4:00pm on Friday, August 29th. Admission is just $10, which includes complimentary appetizers and drink specials. Those purchasing tickets at the door will receive discounted admission with the donation of non-perishable food items. There will also be a silent auction and prize raffles. For more information, call The Food Bank at (716)852-1305 or log onto www.foodbankwny.org or www.scottcelani.com/RFF2008.html.

The Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is located at 76 Pearl Street in Buffalo. For more information on The National Buffalo Wing Festival, go to www.buffalowing.com.

In addition to The National Buffalo Wing Festival and FRANK'S® REDHOT®, this event is also sponsored by Niagara University, Robertson & Bach Jewelers, Santangelo's Salon, Spa & Hair Restoration Clinic, The Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, Kiss 98.5, WGRZ Channel 2 and Scott Celani Productions.

Also sponsored by:

Food Bank of WNY

WGRZ-TV NBC Channel 2