Jackals, Parents Who Rock Work To Fight Hunger

Armed with baseball bats and guitars, two respected northern New Jersey organizations joined forces to help stock a local food pantry and publicly highlight the issue of local hunger. On Saturday, July 14, the Jackals hosted a pre-game show on the concourse of Yogi Berra Stadium at 5:30 p.m. when the gates opened for the 6:35 p.m. game against the Rockland Boulders. Parents Who Rock supplied the entertainment. Fans were asked to bring nonperishable foods, cash donations, or to volunteer their time to help in the fight against hunger.

The headlining band, Jason Didner and the Drive, introduced an original Jackals theme song, "Jackals on the Prowl," in their live set during the pregame show. The No Rehearsals took the stage first.

The new Jackals’ song was chock-full of "Yogi-isms," those memorable quotes by the stadium's namesake, Yogi Berra, that make you think twice and laugh later. It opened with "When you come to a fork in the road/Take it to the Jackals' den/It's déjà vu all over again" and kept piling on the sayings, along with references to mascot Jack the Jackal, the weekly fireworks display, which capped off the festivities on July 14 as well, and the trumpet player in the stands who serenaded opposing batters after they've struck out.

"There's such a unique character to the combination of people and traditions at the Jackals' home games that fit very naturally into this song," said Jason Didner, who is no stranger to Yogi Berra Stadium; he sings the National Anthem at one game each year. "There's fun, family and excitement, and no one seems to take themselves too seriously."

Parents Who Rock is a non-profit association of musicians and others based in Montclair who volunteer their time and talents onstage and behind the scenes to raise money for not-for-profit organizations throughout the community. This year, the group is focused on local hunger, and will be raising funds and nonperishable food donations for local food banks.

“PWR is thrilled to team up with the Jackal's to help relieve hunger in Montclair,” said Alma Schneider, Founder and Director of Parents Who Rock, and singer for The No Rehearsals. “This event brought together Montclair’s proud sporting tradition, vibrant creative community and spirit of making this a better place for everyone.”

The Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair will benefit from the cans donated. The group encourages people to buy or prepare a dinner for Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless MESH program one night this summer.

For more information, contact the New Jersey Jackals at info@jackals.com.