Kids Rock to Raise Money for New Eyes for the Needy

Back for its fifth year in a row, the Kids Rock for Vision Concert is set to bring down the house in support of the Short Hills nonprofit. 

The concert will take place on Saturday, March 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Summit.

Kids Rock has raised over $30,000 since it started in 2009 for the nonprofit New Eyes for the Needy located in Short Hills. All proceeds from concert ticket sales and donations go towards the purchase of new prescription eyeglasses for poor children living in the United States.

Summit resident and Morristown-Beard senior, Will Taggart, is the event chair for the third year, and is again working with fellow students and Summit residents George Psichos and Andrew McGann.

The committee has been organizing ticket sales, strategizing publicity and recruiting bands. Taggart himself has already raised $3,000 with email solicitations to friends, family and past ticket-buyers.

The event is being sponsored by School of Rock Chatham.

“School of Rock Chatham has been a big part of our success over the past five years,” said Taggart. “They live by their motto of inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life. They bring in the sound board operator and equipment and give us a real professional edge.”

The Street Team Band, comprised of the most accomplished and talented young musicains at School of Rock Chatham, will be among the bands performing at Kids Rock, as will Taggart with his original band, Sauce.

The concert is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling New Eyes at 973-376-4903 or purchased at the door.