The Rock in Mill Creek to raise funds

Published 7:13 pm Tuesday, March 23, 2010

MILL CREEK — A Mill Creek restaurant is planning two fundraisers to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and an elementary school in the Everett School District.

On March 29, The Rock Wood-Fired Pizza &Spirits will host a fundraiser to help the Walk MS in Seattle, scheduled for April 11 at Husky Stadium in Seattle. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society hopes to raise $1.8 million in the greater Northwest. As of last week, the society was nearly 30 percent of the way to its goal, according to its Web site.

A few weeks later on April 13, The Rock will host another fundraiser, this time raising money for Penny Creek Elementary School, 4117 132nd St. SE, Everett. The money will be used to pay for school supplies.

Both fundraisers will be held at the restaurant, located at 1918 201st Place SE in unincorporated Bothell.

Brian Roach, director of marketing for The Rock, said the company plays a behind-the-scenes role to help out. The credit really goes to the beneficiaries who are out there generating a buzz and inviting people to enjoy a fun night at The Rock, he said.

Guests are given tickets to the fundraiser resembling concert tickets, and 20 percent of their tab is donated to the school or foundation working with The Rock.

“If we can write a check for $1,000 or more we feel pretty good,” Roach said.

In 2009, The Rock raised more than $30,000 for local school programs, sports teams and booster groups through fundraisers held at its 10 locations across the state.

Roach said the chain sees these kinds of efforts as important to its community oriented identity.

The restaurant chain is located in smaller cities with communities that support local businesses, he added.

“People want businesses to do well and we appreciate that,” he said. “They help us out so much.”