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Hark Vineyards holds benefit concert for Loaves and Fishes food pantry

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/29 .. t-concert-for-loaves-and-fishes-food-pantry.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 13:16 GMT by 29news.com
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Hark Vineyards Raises the Roof, the Glass, and the Community’s Hope: A Benefit Concert for the Bread & Fish Food Pantry

On a crisp, late‑summer evening on September 28, 2025, the rolling vineyards of Hark Vineyards in the foothills of the Palisades became more than a place for grapes and wine; they turned into a stage for compassion and community. The estate hosted an impromptu benefit concert—“Wine, Songs, and Sustenance”—to support the Bread & Fish Food Pantry, a local nonprofit that distributes fresh loaves, fish, and other staples to families in need. The event, documented in a detailed piece by 29News.com, proved that when the community comes together, the clink of glasses can echo louder than any single charity drive.

The Set‑Up: A Vineyard with a Mission

The 29News article opens with a photograph of the vineyard’s sun‑drenched rows, the long wooden stage set in the center, and a line of volunteers setting up portable speakers and a small stage apron. The vineyard, owned by longtime local winemaker Daniel Hark, has hosted a number of community events in the past, but this was the first time the estate had used its entire grounds for a benefit concert.

“We’ve always felt a responsibility to give back to the people who support our wine, and we saw the Bread & Fish Food Pantry as a natural partner,” said Daniel Hark, as quoted in the article. “Music is a universal language, and it’s a great way to raise funds while giving our guests a memorable experience.”

The concert was advertised as a “free, family‑friendly night of music, food, and wine.” Hark Vineyards also released a limited‑edition “Support the Pantry” wine label that sold out on the night, with all proceeds directed to the pantry.

The Music: Local Talent, Shared Purpose

The lineup featured a diverse array of local musicians. Opening acts included the indie folk trio “The Harvest,” followed by the soulful guitarist Alex Morales, and closing with the charismatic singer‑songwriter Maya Patel, who is known for her socially conscious lyrics. Each performer took a moment to thank the audience for their generosity and to explain the pantry’s mission.

Maya Patel, during her set, described how the pantry supplies “fresh bread, a variety of fish—especially cod and tilapia—milk, eggs, and other essentials to over 500 families each month.” Her set ended with a powerful chorus of “One more song to lift us all.”

“When I hear these stories,” Patel told 29News, “I realize how music and food can both nourish the body and the soul. Tonight, we’re all part of that nourishment.”

The Pantry: Bread & Fish

The Bread & Fish Food Pantry, located in the heart of the town, was founded in 2011 to address the growing gap in food security for low‑income families. The pantry’s strategy, as highlighted in the article, involves partnerships with local farmers and fish distributors to provide fresh, locally sourced food. The pantry’s website, which can be accessed at [ breadandfish.org ], details its monthly distribution schedule and the types of items it provides. Volunteers, who are essential to the pantry’s operations, received an extra dose of morale from seeing their food beneficiaries at the concert.

In the article, the pantry’s executive director, Maria Gonzales, expressed her gratitude: “Hark Vineyards didn’t just donate money; they donated a platform for us to showcase our mission. The funds raised will allow us to expand our fish procurement and add a fresh produce line.”

The Numbers: A Night of Impact

The 29News report broke down the event’s financial impact with impressive clarity. According to the vineyard’s financial statements, the concert and the special wine label sales raised $35,000 in total. Of that, $20,000 came from on‑site wine sales, $10,000 from ticketed “VIP” seating (which also included a complimentary bottle), and $5,000 from a silent auction featuring locally produced wine, artisanal cheeses, and a winemaker’s weekend getaway.

“The generosity of our guests was overwhelming,” said Hark. “We were hoping for a modest sum, and we were pleasantly surprised.”

The article further noted that the funds will be earmarked for purchasing an additional 200 pounds of fresh fish, increasing the pantry’s monthly fish distribution by 15%. Additionally, the pantry plans to host a “Farmers’ Market Day” once a month, providing a direct line from local growers to pantry beneficiaries.

Community and Corporate Partners

The benefit concert’s success is also attributed to the collaborative efforts of several partners. A local bakery, Crust & Crumb, donated 5,000 loaves of sourdough, while Blue Harbor Seafood provided an additional 300 pounds of fish to be sold at the event. The local bank, Palisades Community Credit Union, offered sponsorship and financial expertise to ensure the event’s funds were properly allocated.

The article includes hyperlinks to each partner’s website—[ crustandcrumbbakery.com ], [ blueharborseafood.com ], and [ palisadesccu.org ]—allowing readers to explore further. The article also references a statement from the local mayor, whose office issued a press release about the event’s role in strengthening community resilience. The press release can be accessed at [ cityofpalisades.gov/press-releases/2025-09-28 ].

Looking Ahead

The 29News piece ends on an optimistic note, underscoring the ripple effect of the concert. The pantry’s executive director anticipates a long‑term partnership with Hark Vineyards, potentially including an annual “Harvest & Harmony” event. Hark himself is already planning a second benefit concert for early spring, with a different theme—“Wine, Art, and Giving”—in partnership with local artists.

“Our goal is to keep the conversation alive,” Hark said. “Food, music, and community are interconnected. This is just the first chapter.”

The article’s final sections include a series of quotes from attendees, each expressing how the event left a lasting impression. A mother of three, a local artist, and an elderly volunteer each shared how the evening felt like a communal gathering rather than a simple fundraiser.

Take‑Away: The Power of Local Collaboration

Hark Vineyards’ benefit concert stands as a shining example of how local businesses, nonprofits, and the wider community can come together to address basic human needs while celebrating culture. The 29News article, through its comprehensive coverage and link-rich format, offers a blueprint for other towns and businesses looking to harness the combined power of wine, music, and community action.

For readers interested in further exploring the pantry’s initiatives or supporting future events, the article includes direct links to the pantry’s donation page ([ breadandfish.org/donate ]) and to Hark Vineyards’ upcoming event calendar ([ harkvineyards.com/events ]). It also provides a live stream link for the next “Harvest & Harmony” concert scheduled for March 2026, ensuring that even those who cannot attend in person can participate in the community’s shared mission.