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Pennies for Poverty Shakes Up their Annual Music for Change Fundraiser

The Chicken Slacks’ Classic R&B Music to Headline
For the Love of Food and Drink to Cater Small Plate Buffet

Pennies for Poverty’s 6th Annual Music for Change Fundraiser features an exciting band and new culinary delights on November 3rd at the Elks Lodge in Newburyport. The Fundraiser also features silent and live auctions with more than 60 items, ranging from exotic African vacations and work by local artists to sports tickets, gift baskets and local getaways. It is perfectly timed for holiday shopping and raises funds for those in need. Proceeds from the Fundraiser go to support emergency needs and underfunded programs at local anti-poverty agencies.

The Boston-based rhythm and blues band, The Chicken Slacks, makes a rare Newburyport appearance at this year’s Music for Change Fundraiser. Known for their energetic, non-stop blues and soul music, the seven-piece band has a playlist inspired by the classic STAX, Motown, and Muscle Shoals recordings of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

For the Love of Food and Drink has come on as the food sponsor. This Seacoast caterer known for their fresh local menus and unique style, will provide a complete small plate buffet – all ethically sourced with compostable place settings. Those not wanting to wait until November 3rd can sample their fare now at their restaurant in Wells, Maine.

“You won’t want to miss The Chicken Slacks on stage,” commented Sue McKittrick, Board President at Pennies. “They’ve been playing Thursday nights at Cambridge’s Cantab Lounge for 13 years. Be sure to put this evening on your calendar now: great music and dancing, delicious food and the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting community needs.”

Starting at 6:30 pm, the Fundraiser draws both long-time supporters and music lovers just learning about Pennies for Poverty’s work. Proceeds from the event will enable local agencies to help families cope with unexpected financial emergencies and prevent some from becoming homeless. Former Board President Michael Sandberg helped launch the annual Music for Change Fundraiser 5 years ago.“I am a great supporter of this community event, which gets better every year” he commented. “It is a thoroughly enjoyable evening. And it feels good to know that all the proceeds are put to work to help local people. With this year’s band and caterer, tickets will go quickly. I encourage you to reserve a table now to enjoy the evening with friends. ”

Pennies gratefully acknowledges the support of Platinum sponsor The Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation and Gold sponsor The Leeward Charitable Foundation as well as all the other businesses and volunteers who make the evening possible.

About Pennies for Poverty: 2 Cents 4 Change, Inc.

The mission of Pennies for Poverty is to promote and carry out efforts to reduce poverty in Newburyport and surrounding towns by educating about local poverty, encouraging volunteerism and raising funds for local anti-poverty agencies.

Pennies’ public forums on key topics, social media postings and email newsletter raise awareness about local poverty and amplify publicity about food drives, fundraisers and other events of local anti-poverty agencies. The focus of public forums in 2018 has been homelessness.

Pennies advocates for the use of VolunteerMatch.org by agencies to post volunteer needs and by residents to find volunteer opportunities. They also recruit volunteers for other non-profits as needed.

Pennies’ website includes an online, mobile-friendly searchable directory of organizations that help people in need on the seacoast. See Resources.PenniesforPoverty.org

Pennies’ fundraising focuses on methods that the agencies they support do not or cannot undertake, including events and donation boxes at local stores. The annual Music for Change Fundraiser is their biggest source of funds.

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