Rescue Rock Off moves to Mentor Amp

Lake Humane Society fundraiser attendance anticipated to grow

Lake Humane Society and Mentor officials are collaborating to make an old event new again.

LHS’ 11th Annual Rescue Rock Off benefit for homeless animals is moving to a new date and place this year.

The fundraiser now will be held from 4 to 9 p.m., July 24, at Mentor Civic Amphitheater. In the past, it was in March at Willoughby Brewing Company.

“This event has sold out every year at our previous venue and we were held to a maximum capacity of 500,” LHS Spokeswoman Lori Caszatt said. “We hope to allow a larger crowd at this year’s event but are remaining cautious due to COVID-19.

“The change of venue gives us an amazing opportunity to grow the event and engage with new supporters that we may not have been able to reach in the past.”

The organization approached the city about the partnership.

“The city and the Lake Humane Society have had a continued relationship and have worked together previously,” Mentor Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski said. “The LHS presented their idea to the Parks and Recreation Department, and we felt this would be a great way to bring additional programming and another great event to Mentor and the Amphitheater.”

The Rock Off will feature live local bands, food truck vendors, a raffle with an assortment of prizes and a 50/50 drawing with two chances to win hundreds of dollars, Caszatt said. The performers are still being finalized.

All proceeds will go directly to helping save the lives of homeless animals at the Mentor-based shelter. Last year, it raised $18,000.

Tickets can be purchased online at lakehumane.org and at the door on the day of the event. Prices range from $10 to $80, for VIP all-access passes.

VIP perks include early entry into the event, a private session with Kevin Conaway, an event T-shirt, private seating in front of the main stage, private VIP Lounge access complete with appetizers and cash bar, and 10 raffle tickets.

Whether dogs will be permitted on premises for the event is still being reviewed, Kaminski said.

LHS is working closely with the city on pandemic protocols as well.

“All safety protocols will be active during all of our programs and events in 2021,” Kaminski said. “We will follow the mandates from the Ohio Department of Health and the Lake County Health Department. As they come out, we’ll be making all necessary adjustments.”

The Rescue Rock Off was one of the only in-person events that LHS was able to host in 2020, due to COVID-19.

“These events are crucial to our annual fundraising efforts to further our mission to help pets in need,” Caszatt said. “Lake Humane Society is also grateful to the city of Mentor for being open to this partnership and for being so wonderful to work with. We hope to see some familiar faces and new supporters within our community this July in support of our lifesaving mission.”

Event sponsors are Anna Marie Velazquez, Realtor at HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum; KMS Tax and Accounting Solutions; and Edible Arrangements of Mentor.

The Amphitheater is located at 8600 Munson Road, behind city hall.

Lake Humane Society is a nonprofit organization and operates solely on donations.