Why would Bruce debate O'Reilly ($25,000) or some local columnist ($10,000) for charity when he can have fun at a friendly barbecue? (And coincidentally, raise $35,000 for the new SPCA facility in Eatontown .) ========================================= Benefit for SPCA held Saturday Click here: APP.COM - Benefit for SPCA held Saturday | Asbury Park Press Online <http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071015/NEWS01/710150360\ /1004/> Springsteen joins Max Weinberg 7 Bruce Springsteen joined the Max Weinberg 7 for a rousing set of covers and classics at a benefit party for the SPCA Saturday night at Weinberg's home in Middletown. Springsteen was not a scheduled performer at "Kick Up Your Paws," but guests anticipated his presence and, accordingly, aimed their cell phone cameras at the stage toward the end of the evening. Weinberg, drummer for Springsteen's E Street Band, had noted that Sunday was an off-night for Springsteen's "Magic" tour and that his old friend, who lives nearby, might be able to attend.
"When Max said he was having a party in his yard, I was expecting a barbecue kind of thing," Springsteen joked. Rather, the shindig at the Weinbergs' estate was a $500-per-person fundraiser for the construction of new headquarters for the Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown. The fundraiser, chaired by the drummer's wife, Becky Weinberg, and Stacee Seiler Samuels, also featured a silent auction, a live auction, raffles and other ways to donate to the cause. The total amount of money raised has not yet been announced. Early in the evening, as guests enjoyed a buffet by Mumford's Culinary Center of Tinton Falls, the Weinbergs greeted guests and thanked SPCA supporters from the stage. Live music by the Max Weinberg 7, the house band for NBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," and by Tim McLoone & The Shirleys entertained the 500 paying guests, as well as many SPCA volunteers, in a tent on the Weinbergs' property, known as Spy Hill. But when Springsteen appeared, the energy level was kicked up a notch. Springsteen was backed by three female vocalists, including the Weinbergs' teenage daughter, Ally, and by a jazz singer introduced as Janelle. Any time the singers left the stage, Springsteen implored, "Bring the girls back!" Springsteen donated and autographed the guitar he was playing and the instrument was auctioned for $35,000. Weinberg donated his original drum kit that went for $20,000. An autographed guitar from Jon Bon Jovi, who also lives in Middletown, was auctioned for $7,000. Bon Jovi was hosting "Saturday Night Live" and could not attend the party.
