FOODSTOCK CHARITIES TO OFFER FREE DINNERS
Sunday Dinners for Those in Need

Danville, IL, December 9, 2008 - Foodstock Charities will host a series of monthly free dinners at the Tilton Lions Club house, beginning in January, 2009. The dinners are open to all for as long as the food lasts. Building on its successful benefit concerts in support of the Danville Area Food Pantry, the local charity, which was founded in the beginning of 2008, hopes to serve the community by serving food to those with the greatest need.

"Now more than ever, there are members of our community who need support," said Lane Baldwin, founder and Executive Director of Foodstock Charities. "This is one more way that we can help, and encourage others to get involved."

Initially, the dinners will be privately funded by Mr. Baldwin. "Lane is doing this out of his own pocket," said Bob Stevens, Director of Operations, "but we hope to encourage local churches, civic organizations and businesses to work with us. We'll start by doing as much as we can and pray that others will join our efforts."

The dinners will be held on the first Sunday of each month, beginning on January 4, 2009. The Tilton Lions Club has donated the use of their building to the project. "We're very pleased to be working with the Lions Club," said Stevens. "Their mission statement is very similar to our own and we're proud that they want to work with us."

Already the project has gathered sponsors, including County Market, Tilton Lions Club, and the Spears Center for Servant-Leadership (Indianapolis, IN). By inviting churches and other organizations to participate, the Danville businessmen hope to rapidly expand the dinner program. "We're starting small," Baldwin said, "but hope to feed more people each month. We're already talking to other organizations about joining our efforts."

Foodstock Charities began as a way for Baldwin's band Deeper Blues (which Stevens manages) to commemorate the release of its first CD, Dig the Hole. Following the success of the first concert, a second event was held at Lincoln Park in October. Next year, Foodstock goes national, with concerts scheduled in several cities across the US. In addition, Baldwin and Stevens plan to launch a project to bring musical entertainment to hospitals, VA centers and retirement homes. They are also seeking 501(c)3 non-profit status for the organization, and are pursuing sponsorship discussions with several large corporations.

"We're all taught that the key to fulfillment is our service to others," Baldwin said. "This is our service to our community, our way of helping to make things better. We can't think of anything more basic, more necessary, than providing food for those in need."

The Tilton Lions Club is located at the corner of Atwood and 14th streets in Tilton, adjacent to the East side of the 14th Street overpass construction. Follow the signs from the 14th St. ramp (off Georgetown Rd.). The first dinner will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, January 4th. For more information on Foodstock Charities or to volunteer, visit foodstockcharities.com or call 799-9759.