The Docs of Rock — a band of moonlighting medical professionals and educators, led by Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Ed.D. (fifth from left) — take it back to the Downtown on Sunday for a fundraiser for Lunch Break.
They’re called the Docs of Rock — a classic-rock combo of medics and academics, one that collectively boasts more legit degrees than Bruce or BonJo can claim honorary doctorates. And when the pager sounds for a good and worthy cause, the members of this sheepskin’d showband lose the white smocks and suit up for action — as will happen this Sunday when they return to the Downtown in Red Bank for a fundraiser for borough-based Lunch Break.
The evening marks the second such gig by the “school of rock” led by guitarist Dr. Larry Sykoff, Ed.D. — Headmaster Emeritus and special consultant of the Ranney School. He’s joined once more on the Downtown stage by singer (and practitioner in veterinary dentistry) Kristin Scott, D.V.M.; by the feelgood sounds of keyboardist (and interventional pain management specialist) Scott Woska, M.D.; by the funky backbone of bassist (and orthopedic surgeon) David Lessing, M.D., and — you couldn’t make this stuff up — by dermatologist Ken Grossman, M.D. on the skins. The core band members are augmented by new additions Brian Incremona, M.D. and Erin Patrick for several sets between the hours of 7 to 10 pm.
It’s a come-as-you-are, bring-your-dancing-shoes “kick-off party” to the 2015 Lunch Break Gala, scheduled for October 19 at the Navesink Country Club — as well as a fun opportunity to get acquainted with the serious mission of the organization that serves tens of thousands of hot meals to needy neighbors each year, in addition to distributing emergency groceries, and operating a homebound delivery service for members of the community who are ill or disabled. The Lunch Break facility on Drs. James Parker Boulevard also runs a clothing distribution program, a special Suited for Success program for job seekers and new hires, a school-supplies backpack program, a Community Gardener’s Market, a Lunch Break Job Board and a free Internet Cafe for guests. There are cooking classes for children, dinner nights for the community at large, Dinner and Movie Nights monthly for the Boys & Girls Club, a toy distribution program during the holidays, and a range of resources designed to connect their clients with health and social services.
In the words of Dr. Sykoff, “the Docs of Rock are committed to seeing that those who are less fortunate have access to food and basic social services. Lunch Break is a champion of such support, and we applaud their commitment and dedication to help those in need.”
There’s a suggested $20 donation per person at the event. Also on the menu will be a live auction for a table for 10 (with premium seating) at the October Gala — as well as a 50/50 raffle (tickets $30) to raise funds for Lunch Break. The winner of the raffle, who doesn’t need to be present at time of drawing, will be announced at the Gala. Follow Lunch Break on Facebook or Twitter, and call (732) 747-8677 for more details.
