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Neighbor News

Food pantry benefit raises more than $1K

Benefit concert for Melrose's Pantry of Hope is a big hit

Melrose’s Howie Newman (right) was joined by his partner, Joe Kesler, at the annual Pantry of Hope fundraiser on June 29.
Melrose’s Howie Newman (right) was joined by his partner, Joe Kesler, at the annual Pantry of Hope fundraiser on June 29.

The June 29 Pantry of Hope benefit concert by local duo Knock on Wood raised more than $1,100, an all-time high. It was hosted by the First Baptist Church of Melrose and drew a sizeable crowd on the church lawn.

The Pantry of Hope (www.melrosefbc.org/pantry-of-hope), run by the First Baptist Church, provides food for needy families and individuals in the greater Melrose area.

This was the fifth annual food pantry fundraiser by Knock Wood (www.howienewman.com/knockonwood), an acoustic folk-rock duo fronted by Melrose’s Howie Newman.

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“We had a big, enthusiastic crowd and the weather was great,” said Newman. “It was a fun show and very gratifying to see the local folks support this event and help people in the community.”

This benefit concert will continue in 2026. It is typically held on the last Sunday in June.

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