Eric LeGrand Attends 52 Fest in Sewaren

The turnout was low, but the upside was a great chance to win a raffle.

The Eric LeGrand concert fundraiser, 52 Fest, was held at Alvin P. Williams Park in Sewaren Saturday. Eighteen bands participated to lend support, but the oppressive 100-degree may have limited the turnout.

The turnout's "been steady.  We're not overwhelmed, but we're not bored either.  I think a lot of people were nervous about the [possible] thunderstorms and heat," said Pat Solop, the stepmother of concert promoter Elliot Solop as she ran the raffle booth. It's been picking up in the last 45 minutes or so," she said.

Eric LeGrand, the paralyzed Rutgers football player for whom the benefit was held, came from another fundraiser held in his honor. Loman Ford on Route 1 South sponsored an outdoor event earlier Saturday in the parking lot of Staples across the street from the dealership. LeGrand attended that event, and then showed up with his family at the Sewaren concert at about 4:30 pm. As usual, the popular Avenel resident had the positive attitude and smile that has drawn so many people to him.

More good news is if you are at the Sewaren benefit: there's some interesting stuff up to be raffled. The raffles go off at 6:30 pm, right before the headlining bands of the day, including the popular hip hop DJ, Funkmaster Flex.

Popular raffle items so far are:  an autographed jersey from Kenny Britt, the Tennesee Titans star who played for Rutgers; an autographed hockey stick from NJ Devils player Travis Zajac; a large Bob Marley painting; two sets of 4 LiveNation PNC Arts Center tickets plus VIP parking.