Rosa’s at Tower Park to support veterans at Rockin’ on the River
On Saturday, Rosa’s at Tower Park will be rocking to local acts from the Delta and the Central Valley. The food will be plentiful, the drinks will be flowing, and money will be piling up to help veterans in need.
“I just looked at the weather — I’ve been watching it every minute — and it looks like we’re going to have sunshine! Or at least no rain,” said Mary Knight, a volunteer who is helping to organize the third annual Rockin’ on the River event.
The yearly event was launched by John Giglio and Cheryl Corrigan, the restaurant’s owners, to try to help veterans. The pair had known a few vets in their time, and wanted to do their part to help.
They partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project to put on the event, donating all of the proceeds to their programs.
The goal this year is the same goal they’ve set — and smashed — the past two years: $10,000, Knight said.
To that end, the seven bands playing on Saturday have donated their time, so all ticket sales can go to Wounded Warriors.
Rob’s Smokin Rub will be at the event, to help Rosa’s kitchen deal with the crowds. A wide variety of food will be available, from burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos and more. Rob’s, too, will be donating to the cause.
“We’ve got other sponsors, too, that have helped out. The wineries really came through wonderfully,” Knight said. Wineries from Lodi, Napa and beyond have donated items for the silent auction. Flight Lounge, Budweiser, Calivirgin, Aquaholics and others have also helped to sponsor this year’s event.
“We’re very fortunate to have so many local businesses that have donated to our silent auction and our wine pool,” Knight said.
In addition to the seven bands, which will play rock, country, and other music sure to make your boots scoot, a guest speaker from the Wounded Warrior Project will share what the organization does with the audience.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Pauley of Petaluma is a veteran himself.
“In fact, he’s someone who has actually benefited from the Wounded Warriors program,” Knight said.
He joined the Army in 1996, and served until 2006. That’s when a bomb exploded just feet from him, permanently damaging his right arm and killing one of his men. He suffered from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the Press Democrat.
In 2011, he was invited on a Soldier Ride by the Wounded Warrior Project. The cycling event made him want to help other veterans in the same situation, he told the Santa Rosa newspaper.
He won’t be the only veteran in the crowd. Four or five veterans’ motorcycle groups are also planning to attend, Knight said.
“That’s another reason we were hoping it wouldn’t rain!” she said.
The event is set to run until 6 p.m. Saturday, but Knight expects it to go longer. In fact, one band said that with a break, they might be able to do a second set. The music will be indoors, but there will be stuff to do outside and people are welcome to come and go throughout the day, she said.
“I just want to see a lot people come out and enjoy a good time on the Delta,” Knight said.