‘Rock the Kitchen’ fundraiser set for Saturday

Second annual event will feature five local bands, acts

TORRINGTON — Residents will have the chance to enjoy some rock and roll and help the Community Kitchen of Torrington this Saturday during second annual “Rock The Kitchen” fundraiser.

Organizer Mark Vedovelli said Wednesday that five local bands and acts — Brian Mattiello, Vedo and Friends, Revival, Eric Slate Band, and The Loft — will perform at the event, which is set for 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Eagles Club at 222 Main St.

Vedovelli said he started the fundraiser after volunteering at the kitchen, in an effort to help the city where he grew up. He’s a musican — he’s the “Vedo” in Vedo and Friends — and his friends are musicians, so the idea of a night of music came to mind.

“I just needed to give back to the community,” said Vedovelli, who also is a member of the Eagles Club.

Vedovelli said last year’s “Rock The Kitchen” event raised more than $1,000 for the soup kitchen, which he hopes to double this time around. In addition to the music, there will be raffles and food, he said.

He praised Food Service Director Lisa Hageman for her efforts to keep the soup kitchen up and running.

“She works tirelessly ... to make that operation go,” Vedovelli said.

Tickets to the event are $6. They can be purchased by calling Vedovelli at 860309-5647 or by stopping by the Eagles Club, he said.

According to the organization, the Community Kitchen served more than 60,000 meals in 2016 and does not receive local, state or federal funding.