The Catskill Chronicle

Story by Leni Santoro – Photos by Lori-Rubinstein-Fleck – Poster design by rubyflecks creative consulting.

MONTICELLO – Community Unity with Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless and Stacy and Friends recently announced that the 2010 Great Sullivan FoodRaiser will take place on Saturday, January 30 from 5 p.m. to “whenever” at  Mr. Willy’s Restaurant in Monticello.

Last year’s event, which raised more than $14K, featured dozens of area musicians, young and old alike, with proceeds benefitting local food pantries throughout Sullivan County.

According to Steve White, Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless (SCFH) program administer, between 350 and 400 people attended last year’s event. This year’s event promises to top last year’s gathering. Local area musicians, Stacy and Friends, invite all musicians and friends to listen or play music throughout the evening.

Stacy and Friends are a group of musicians that started to play together in White Lake in October of 2007. The concept was to create an informal environment for local musicians to meet and play together and to give people who love to hear music an opportunity to hear some great local talent.

Stacy Cohen of ‘Stacy and Friends’ belts it out at last year’s event.

Last year Stacy and Friends got involved with Community Unity and the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless and helped to raise over $14K for local food pantries.

This year’s “friends” line-up includes; The Rausch Brothers, Dennis Newberg, Stacy and Friends, SJP, Aldo’s Group, Inner Urge, Lot 14, Stacy, Steve, Antoine and Friends, 3rd Degree, the Sommerville Brothers, Doc Sheinfeld’s Band, Jason Rosen, Rick Nestler and Dan Berger, the Sam Allen Band and, unconfirmed – but expected – Tony Dance, Albie and Headroom. Know a musician or a band who would like to join in the fun? Spread the word – everyone is welcome.

Throughout the evening guests, as well as musicians, are welcome to come and go and come back again. Like what you see and hear? Go home, grab a friend and come back for more great music.

Musicians come in all sizes. (left) Maredith Parks (right) Sara Jane Sorensen at last year's FoodRaiser.

A suggested donation of $5 or any increment of $5 is welcomed at the door with all proceeds going to any or all food pantries throughout Sullivan County. There are 15 food pantries in Sullivan County.

“At the door, each person attending has the option of picking the pantry they want their donation to go to,” said White. “ A running total is kept and monies are apportioned accordingly.”

Anyone unable to attend the event can send donations to: Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless PO Box336 Monticello, NY 12701. Feel free to mark the food pantry of your choice that you wish your donation to go to.

Sullivan County’s local area food pantries are a vital resource for many families in the county struggling to make ends meet. While some of the families in the county who take advantage of food pantries are jobless and even homeless, many fall into the category of the “working poor.” These are families whose “bread winners,” even with two or three jobs, still cannot afford to supply the basic nutritional needs of themselves or their children.

Lori Rubinstein-Fleck assists Channel 6 with an interview with Bill Fleck of SJP during last year's event.

The current economic crises is adding to the amount of families taking advantage of food pantry services. For example, “the Federation saw their numbers go from 28,000 meals and 35,000 pantries in 2008 to 35,000 and 44,000 in 2009,” remarked White. “I don’t know the numbers for the other pantries, but I’m quite sure they have experienced the same dramatic increase with the numbers continuing to rise this year.”

If you or someone you know is need of food pantry services there is a booklet  that lists the names and address of Sullivan County food pantries. It is available at the Department of Health and Family Services and the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.

The 2010 Great Sullivan FoodRaiser will take place on Saturday, January 30 from 5 p.m. to “whenever” at  Mr. Willy’s Restaurant in Monticello. A snow date is set for Saturday, February 6; same location and time.

Mr. Willy’s Restaurant is located at 3695 Route 42 South in Monticello. For additional information, contact Stacy Cohen via www.stacyandfriends.com.