Rockin 4 Rescue benefit concert a smashin’ success

Rockin 4 Rescue’s 3rd annual benefit concert went off successfully last weekend, drawing a packed house at the concert venue, The Warehouse, located in Amityville. The concert, raffles and t-shirt sales raised money for Long Island animal rescue groups, Bobbi & the Strays and Posh Pets.

Rockin 4 Rescue is a nonprofit organization, founded by Merrick residents Curt and Bobbie Arnel, whose sole purpose is to give back to rescue groups on Long Island. After the Arnels adopted a rescue dog, Shane, in early 2017, they said their eyes were opened to what rescue organizations go through to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of countless dogs and cats.

“We found out that there were all these rescue agencies, and it’s like a whole network,” Curt recounted. “As we got more and more involved in this rescue stuff, we became aware of the plight (of) not only dogs, but also rescue organizations themselves, because they’re always short on funds.”

Curt, a drummer with the bands Off The Record and Classic Clapton, started Rockin 4 Rescue’s efforts by simply putting a jar out during performances, and any money collected was donated to a rescue group. As the nonprofit gained momentum, the Arnels started hosting benefit concerts.

For just $10 at the door, concert goers received a full line up of five Long Island bands, including the Carrie-Durand Band, Off the Record, Smokin’ Gun Band, Classic Clapton and Petty Rumors.

Additionally, there were over 60 raffle baskets, as well as a 50/50 sale.

Many Rockin 4 Rescue volunteers dedicated countless hours to help the concert come together, but it’s something the Arnels say is a labor of love. “It’s our way of giving back to the community,” Curt said, “and to the dogs that can’t help themselves.”

At the concert, Curt said both Bobbi & The Strays and Rockin’ 4 Rescue are standout organizations. “They do fantastic work, but it doesn’t pay for itself,” he said. “The dogs, the cats, the animals need veterinarian help, they need food, they need dedication — (the rescues) need to pay for rent and their insurance.”

Every dollar spent on admission and additional sales was donated, Curt said.

Aside from hosting benefit concerts, Rockin 4 Rescue also tries to make additional contributions to agencies throughout the year.

“We try to do little things when we can,” Curt said. “If there’s a particularly bad situation for a dog — it needs extra money for medical care — we’ll donate more. We try to help out wherever it’s needed.”

Bobbie said the concert raised over $7,000, and donations are still coming in. “This was beyond our goal,” she added, “so we are very pleased with the results.”

For more on Rockin 4 Rescue, visit Facebook.com/Rockin4Rescue. To check out the rescues the concert benefited, visit BobbiAndTheStrays.org and PoshPetsRescueNY.org.