Local Teens Rock Out for a Worthy Cause

Globally, the mixing of music and charity have always gone hand-in-hand. In the 70s, it was George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh. In the 80s, Live Aid was the concert the decade was most remembered for.  In 2001, two charity concerts were held in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

Locally, however, a rock concert put on by local teens to support a worthy cause has drawn raves.

Local teens recently put on a benefit for the New Eyes for the Needy, a Short Hills non-profit at Summit’s St. John’s Episcopal Church.

The third annual “Kids Rock for Vision” concert, sponsored by School of Rock, Chatham, raised $8,000 for new prescription eyeglasses for poor children living in the United States.

A full house – including local celebrities and politicians -- crowded the auditorium cheering and clapping to vintage rock n roll as performers belted out cover songs from Queen, Steely Dan, Jimi Hendrix and others.

 "These kids are so talented" commented Jean Gajano, Community Relations Coordinator for New Eyes. "The caliber and quality of their music is always so impressive and we're grateful they've volunteered their time and effort to our mission," Gajano added. "We can't wait for next year's concert!"

New Jersey Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz was also in attendance to present Summit resident and concert organizer Will Taggart with a New Jersey Joint Legislative Resolution honoring his work.

"It's my great pleasure to recognize and applaud the efforts of a young person like Will Taggart," Munoz said before the concert got underway.

Clelia Biamonti, president of the board for New Eyes for the Needy, praised the concert participants saying she was "so proud to be here with these young philanthropists, watching and listening to them helping other people to improve their lives".

In fact, over the past three years "these kids have raised over $21,000 for New Eyes," Biamonti said. "It reminds me of what Margaret Mead once said: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’ "