More than 1,000 gather at End Hunger in Calvert concert

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008

Click here to enlarge this photo Photo by JEAN HAHN Calvert artist Liz Chambers opened the Concert to End Hunger In Calvert County held at Chesapeake Church and attended by more than 1,000 people. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

On Saturday, Oct. 11, more than 1,000 people gathered together to listen to national recording artist the Robbie Seay Band as well as local artist Liz Chambers all in support of the month long End Hunger In Calvert County project, according to a press release.

Bringing lawn chairs, blankets and a can of food, the crowd enjoyed the music under a moonlit sky and perfect weather. The four-hour concert had an almost festival feel to it as people gathered in small groups, teens hung out together and younger children ran around and threw footballs and Frisbees.

"This is what community is all about. People getting together for a great time, great music and a great cause", said the Rev. Robert P. Hahn, senior pastor of Chesapeake Church and chairman of End Hunger In Calvert County in the release.

The event also raised about 1,700 pounds of food, all of which will be distributed to Calvert County food pantries.

"Times are really tough right now. And they're toughest on the working poor who often earn enough to no longer qualify for any assistance, but not enough to really get by. Calvert is the sixth wealthiest county in the nation and yet our poverty rate is actually increasing. We can do something about that. We can take care of our own here in Calvert," Hahn said in the release.

In addition to the music, food was provided at reduced prices by Red, Hot & Blue and Papa John's Pizza.

The concert sponsors were Audio Plus, Chesapeake Church, Constellation Energy, Dominion Resources, PNC Bank, Scheibel Construction and Show Place Arena. On-sight concert supporters included, Top Hat Rentals, Calvert Trash, J&J Portables and Main Street Copy.

"I think what makes this so special is that because the whole county is united behind this idea that hunger in Calvert can be defeated, this concert had a lot of support beyond just the church community," Hahn said.

End Hunger In Calvert County is a first time ever effort where Calvert County charities, schools, businesses, and government officials have formed a partnership with the goal of ending hunger in Calvert County.

A centerpiece of the project is a countywide food drive that is being held during the month of October.

Food collection bins will be placed in all Calvert County public schools during October, as well as other locations.

For more information, go to the project's Web site at www.endhungercalvert.org.