(NEWARK, NJ) -- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark will hold its 4th Annual Benefit Concert for the Homeless, taking place on Saturday, November 13, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, featuring the iconic 1960s band, Tommy James and the Shondells.

Tickets for the concert range from $30 to $150, and all ticket proceeds will directly support the Catholic Charities’ ongoing homeless programs and services, which provide assistance to thousands of men, women, and families each year. This is made possible thanks to the commitment of numerous sponsors whose backing effectively underwrites the expenses for the artist and production. 

“We are most thankful for the support we have already received for this show,” stated John Westervelt, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, “and we hope that people will come to enjoy a great night of classic music while supporting a very worthy cause. Our homeless programs are always in need of supplementary funding, and this benefit concert will substantially help to close a financial gap in our operations.”

Now entering his 53rd year in the music business, Tommy James continues to tour the country with his strong, expressive voice and a catalog of upbeat pop tunes that have a solid rock and roll punch.  Tommy James and the Shondells had its first #1 hit, “Hanky Panky,” in 1966. The band went on to produce a string of successful pop/rock tunes including “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Crimson & Clover,” “Mony,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Draggin the Line,” “Sweet Cherry Wine,” “Three Times in Love,” and “Mirage”……totaling 23 gold records, 9 platinum albums, over 100 million records sold worldwide, and 32 Billboard Hot 100 Chart Hits.

To purchase tickets directly from UCPAC, call 732-499-8226 or visit www.ucpac.org. To support the event, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/n4u/. 

Due to new safety protocols instituted by the Union County Performing Arts Center, all attendees will be required to show a proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID-19 test, and wear a mask inside unless they are eating or drinking.

Sponsors supporting the event include Goya, NJ Imaging Network, Quick Copper Communications, United Healthcare NJ, Investors Bank, Jackson Lewis, David & Christina McAleer, Andy & Gina Wood, St. Peter’s University, Newport Construction, Gallagher, Marzulli, Anselmi & DiCicco, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, Place Vendome/Summit, US PASS, Accurate Diagnostic Labs, Matt & Kelly Fulton, Faith Menard, and Rendina.

Tracing its roots to 1903, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is a not-for-profit social service agency of the Roman Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Newark. As one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest agencies, Catholic Charities serves over 62,000 individuals and families each year in 87 programs. Catholic Charities as a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark participates in the Church’s social mission by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all people and responding with sincere Christian compassion to the corporeal needs of the poor and marginalized. The service of Catholic Charities is inspired by faith in Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and the continuing exposition of Catholic social teaching. Through these activities, Catholic Charities strives to assist individuals in need, strengthen families, and provide those it serves with an experience of God’s mercy. This mission is pursued through a network of caring, effective, and well-managed social service professionals within the four counties served by the Archdiocese: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union. The programs provide shelters for the homeless, food to the impoverished, care for the elderly and mentally ill, and education to children with developmental disabilities. Catholic Charities is a concrete illustration of the Church’s commitment to ease suffering and bring social justice and hope to all, without regard to religion, race, or culture. 

The Archdiocese of Newark serves approximately 1.3 million Catholics who reside in the 511 square miles of the four counties it serves: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Comprised of 212 Catholic parishes and 74 primary and secondary Catholic schools, the Archdiocese is shepherded by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. He was appointed Archbishop of Newark on November 7, 2016, and elevated to Cardinal by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on November 19, 2016. Cardinal Tobin was installed as Archbishop of Newark on January 6, 2017.  

PHOTO BY LOVE IMAGERY