BAINBRIDGE – Chenango County’s largest Toys for Tots fundraiser looms ever closer as the calendar days separating the present from August 10 quickly disappear. Last year, when things were looking dismal for underprivileged Chenango youths, Jason and Erica Hall took it upon themselves to organize the first ever “Rock in the Park” fundraiser to benefit the area’s Toys for Tots, held at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.
Flooding in 2011 adversely affected the charitable organizations ability to spread Christmas spirit. A large portion of the toys which are given Chenango County children each year traditionally originate with the Binghamton Toys ‘R’ Us, but after spending time submerged in 2011, the toy store was unable to make its usual contribution.
It was during the Chenango County Toys for Tots’ time of need that the Halls decided to host their fundraiser. Luckily for the children, it was an unequivocal success, generating $3,742 and collecting 12 bags of toys.
“It went well last time, especially considering they put it all together in a month,” said Toys for Tots organizer Dennis Rifanburg following last year’s favorable outcome. “This year, though, is going to be very well done and is definitely going to be an even bigger success.”
To ensure Rifanburg’s prediction, the Halls began their preparations for 2013 almost immediately following last year’s event and getting an early start has already seriously paid off. The headliner for this year is 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, one of the last living members of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynryd Skynyrd, and surviver of the fateful 1977 plane crash which took many of the lives of the original band members ... Artimus Pyle.
For more information, tickets, or to secure a vending spot, call 972-6526, visit facebook.com/rockinthepark2012 or go to rockinthepark2013.eventbrite.com.