Rockin’ Benefit Concert Helps Supporters Believe in Nonprofit “Because She Is”

House of Independents in Asbury Park, one of the area’s hottest performance venues, was the site of a special benefit concert, entitled “Believe,” held on May 19, 2019. Proceeds of the event will assist Because She Is, a local nonprofit organization that offers free peer support services and a social network for survivors of physical, emotional, and/or sexual assault or abuse.

Organized by award-winning Jersey shore hip-hop artist and spoken word poet Chris Rockwell, the concert featured a terrific lineup of performers known throughout the area, who enthusiastically lent their support and talent to the cause and gave outstanding performances. They included The Godlings, a progressive surf rock band; hip-hip artist King Ramses; Three Cheers Too Late, an alternative pop punk band; and We’re Ghosts Now, an indie/alternative/rock group. Also appearing was Natalie Farrell, a singer known for her mix of soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock; R&B funk-rock favorites Des & The Swagmatics, and The Chris Rockwell Collective.

“I love bringing the community together in one room to support each other,” Rockwell explained. “Usually it’s strangers helping strangers, and that’s a true testament to the vitality of our local scene.” The idea of a benefit concert seemed particularly fitting to Maureen Richards Spataro, founder of Because She Is, who noted, “Music was always my saving grace from my abuse, and Because She Is has opened a location where others can heal from their abuse. Chris created an event that allowed me to spread the word about what this organization is doing for the community in an environment that celebrates music, which was instrumental in saving my life. He made my dream come true.”

Fall “Blingo” & Gift Auction Planned        

Next up for Because She Is will be a Fall “Blingo” & Gift Auction fundraiser. It will be held on Friday, September 13 at the beautiful Madison Park Banquet Hall, 3011 Cheesequake Road in Parlin, NJ. Doors open at 6:30 pm and games begin at 7:30 pm. Come and play bingo to win some jewelry bling! There will also be an array of beautiful raffle prizes. Tickets are on sale now and include bingo cards, dabbers, a starter bag of raffle prize tickets, as well as a delicious hot buffet dinner. Guests can purchase additional raffle and 50/50 tickets that night. Make your reservations early at a discount! Tickets ordered through July 31 are $60 per person. Starting August 1, tickets will be priced at $65 per person.

About Because She Is

Because She Is, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, offers completely free peer support services, workshops, and a social network for survivors of physical, emotional, and/or sexual assault or abuse. The all-volunteer organization was founded and is led by other survivors. Meetings and activities are held at a private and welcoming location, named Marilyn’s Place, which is conveniently located and easily accessible for attendees that come from throughout Monmouth and Middlesex Counties. There, they may feel safe, secure, and surrounded by support from others who know what it’s like to share similar experiences.

Long-term fundraising goals include being able to add a trauma clinician for those who cannot afford professional therapy, provide additional support groups for families of trauma survivors, and using the organization’s unique model to establish other locations, all for free.

Founder Maureen Spataro also welcomes the chance to speak to more people to spread awareness. Contact her about visiting your organization, club, business, networking group, school, or congregation. 

For more information, for reservations to the Fall “Blingo” event, or to make a donation, visit www.becausesheis.org, follow Because She Is on Facebook, email info@becausesheis.org, or call 732-962-3115.