Concert on the Green and Food Drive Draws Huge Turnout

Families danced on the Green Friday night to the word-class Renaissance Church band, featuring the vocal talents of Broadway stars Becky Gulsvig ('Legally Blonde') and Charlie Pollock (Shakespeare in the Park).


While the event, boasting bounce houses and food trucks, was a fun one for attendees, it also served as a food drive for Summit area schools. 

Paul Madsen, a Renaissance member, said the church was eager to not only showcase the abilities of the band but also to bring its mission outside the walls of the Summit Opera House where it meets regularly.

"It's a fun vibe," said Madsen. "Everyone's having a great time. It's a neat event because we have a such a talented group."

Putting that talent to work for a great cause, Madsen said with 1,200 to 1,500 in attendance, he expects the amount of food collected will "blow away" last year's impressive numbers. 

After reaching out to school nurses last fall and learning that some Summit students arrive at school hungry, the church held its first successful food drive. 

By 8 p.m. Friday, more than three van-loads of food had been amassed, with an estimated 2,000 items collected. 

"We are accepting items for the rest of the weekend plus next weekend so I am excited to see where that number lands," Madsen said. 

Renaissance Church is grateful for the support of the City of Summit. From the residents to the police department and the folks at City Hall, everyone has been "amazing" to work with, Madsen said. 

For more information, visit Renaissance Church's website.