On Friday, May 18, St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Atlantic City was the recipient of $10,000 by former Van Halen frontman, Sammy Hagar.
Hagar, at his Sammy’s Beach Bar for its upcoming seasonal opening, presented a check to St. Nicholas pastor, Msgr. William A. Hodge.
The donation, to benefit St. Nicholas’ Food Bank, is a “shot in the arm,” said Msgr. Hodge.
“Hagar believes in the power of local food banks,” to help the needy in Atlantic City, Msgr. Hodge said, adding that he was “grateful for his generosity.”
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Hagar, also known as the Red Rocker, is best known for his work with the group Van Halen, 1985-96 and 2003-05. Incidentally, Msgr. Hodge is also a singer, having recorded a CD entitled “The Singing Monsignor: In Praise of Our Lady,” a collection of songs devoted to Mary.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here in Atlantic City, so I asked where was the best place to donate some money, and everyone said Msgr. Hodge was one of the greatest people on the planet,” Hagar was quoted as saying in the Gloucester County Times.
Hagar’s Atlantic City restaurant is located at 1900 Boardwalk.