Pleasure to Burn

Renton’s Community Rockstar: How One Local Musician Turned December Shows Into Real Support for Families in Need 🎸❤️**

If you’ve been to a live show in Renton lately, you already know this truth: music isn’t just entertainment here — it’s community infrastructure (with better lighting).

This December, my husband — a 68-year-old musician with more energy than my phone battery at 2% — helped lead a month-long community food drive for Renton-area families in need. And he didn’t do it with a single feel-good post and a “thoughts and prayers” emoji. He did it the Renton way: by showing up, doing the work, and bringing people together in packed rooms where generosity was louder than the amps**.

**What happened**

Over the course of December, we hosted **three live shows** that doubled as donation drives. The venues were full, the community showed up with open hands, and we collected food and essential items to support local families during a season that can be magical… and also painfully expensive.

This wasn’t a corporate campaign with a fancy banner. It was neighbors helping neighbors — powered by live music, volunteers, and a whole lot of heart.

**Why it matters**

Renton is full of people doing quiet, consistent good. The problem is: the “quiet” part sometimes keeps the story from being told.

My husband’s community work deserves a spotlight because it reminds us that:

* **Service doesn’t require perfection — it requires participation.**
* **Local venues can be community hubs**, not just weekend fun.
* **Giving gets easier when we do it together.**
* And yes, **you can still be a rockstar at 68** — especially when you’re using the stage to lift up your neighbors.

### **Thank you, Renton 🙌**

To everyone who donated, volunteered, shared posts, brought items, and showed up: thank you. You proved what I’ve always believed about this city!