Renofest

RENO is a local band whose motto is Playing Music, Having Fun, Helping Others.  The first two components are obvious, but I think the last one is what sets RENO apart.  As of June of this year, RENO has played 332 benefit concerts, and over 100 of those were for veterans and veteran groups. RENO has raised or helped raise over $750,000 for local charities over eight years.  Just a beneficent group of guys who love playing music and who want to give what they can to those in need.

Photo by Leah Kirk

Bob Peters, one of the founders of the band, was a student of mine back in the day.  As it so happens, his daughter Erin was also one of my students!  (Good thing I retired when I did, or Erin's son might be one of my students, and then I might start to feel old!)  When Erin entered my classroom as a freshman full of the devil, I retrieved literary magazines from when her father was my student and showed Erin the poetry he wrote.  Never had a problem with Erin after that.

Tom Gomez is the other founding member of the band.  A more upbeat, energetic and  optimistic person you will have a hard time finding.  Tom loves being a part of RENO and his enthusiasm about the band is contagious.

Bob and Tom

For the last five years, RENO has hosted a music festival in early September at the home of Bob and Karen (also a former student!) as a way to say thank you to those who have supported their fundraising efforts.  The price of admission is whatever canned and/or boxed goods you can gather to support a local food pantry.  Monetary donations for the pantry are also accepted.  Last year, the Bodhi Food Pantry was able to supply 200 Thanksgiving dinners and 200 Christmas dinners to those in need, thanks to the efforts of RENO and Renofest.  Pretty impressive.

Today, I had a great time at Renofest.  There was food, beverages, six bands, acoustic acts, and good people in a beautiful setting.  It was easy to fall in love with the celebration.

RENO and Friends

Keep doing what you do, RENO.  It's all good.