Bruce Springsteen will take the stage in Pittsburgh Saturday night, but it will not be just another concert. The music icon has partnered with Rainbow Kitchen Community Services to help benefit its food pantry. The organization will be collecting monetary donations and non-perishable food items during the show at the Consol Energy Center.
The Homestead based charity offers several anti-hunger programs and support services for local families focused primarily on helping low-income people to achieve and maintain an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency.
Donna Little, Executive Director of Rainbow Kitchen, said Springsteen started the tradition of gathering funds for local charities at concerts 20 years ago here in Pittsburgh. “He’s been really very supportive of us and encourages his fans to be supportive of us and it’s made a big difference to us over the years,” Little said.
Given the struggling economy, Rainbow Kitchen has experienced an increase in the number of people who require services. Little said despite funding cuts, the organization has continued to grow and help fight hunger. “The amount of services that we’re providing has really grown dramatically. In terms of our food pantry, it’s more than doubled in just the last couple of years,” Little said.
While Rainbow Kitchen will greatly benefit from donations from Springsteen’s fans, Little said the best aspect of the concert is intangible. “The very biggest benefit of all is raising awareness, raising awareness of hunger and, in particular, raising awareness of Rainbow Kitchen—who we are and what we do,” Little said.
The concert will start at 7:30pm Saturday. The Rainbow Kitchen volunteers will be located throughout the concourse to accept donations.
Before the concert at the CONSOL Energy Center, Springsteen will perform a free concert at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in support of the Obama campaign. Springsteen has been performing modified versions of his popular songs that have been tweaked to either mock Mitt Romney or praise President Obama.
