Since opening his restaurant in 2007, Funk ‘n Waffles owner Adam Gold said he has felt a strong connection to the community surrounding his business — and an urge to give back, as well. 

“That’s kind of the whole point of Funk ‘n Waffles,” Gold said. “It’s a safe space for people to enjoy themselves, both through eating hilarious food and also listening to some great music.” 

Twelve years and two locations later, Funk ‘n Waffles is still giving back to the same community that allowed Gold to establish his restaurant in the first place.  

On Tuesday, Funk ‘n Waffles will host a fundraiser benefiting the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as part of the restaurant’s Funk Gives Back series. The work handled by SPCA is especially appreciated by Gold, a pet owner himself. 

“I rescued my own cat, so it resonates at home,” Gold said. “Showing respect to creatures that aren’t humans is a really important piece of what we try to do here.” 

Featuring a lineup of local musicians and artists, the event is spearheaded by Danielle Sperato, one of the performing musicians. Sperato, who performs by the name Danielle Marie, collaborated with the SPCA two years ago while working for a community project through AmeriCorps.  

After establishing herself as a regular performer at Funk ‘n Waffles last April, Sperato decided to approach the restaurant two months ago and proposed a benefit concert for the organization. 

“Because I’m so involved in music,” Sperato said, “I wanted music to be involved.” 

Sperato has been assisted throughout the planning process by her boyfriend, Jonas Nicholson. 

Nicholson, a Syracuse musician himself, has helped Sperato with the planning process and will also perform at the benefit. A 10-year veteran of the Syracuse music scene — the last nine of which he has played keyboards in the Syracuse-based psychedelic jam band Vaporeyes — Nicholson has a strong rapport at Funk ‘n Waffles as a frequent performer. 

“There’s no way you can spin it negatively,” Nicholson said. “It’s just a positive thing — awesome people trying to help animals, which are generally better than people anyway.” 

Nicholson and Sperato will be joined onstage by Ian Doherty and Ashley Rose, frequent performers at Funk ‘n Waffles. Jason Vincent, a local artist, will create live paintings during the show, as well.  

Sperato chose the SPCA as her organization of choice for two reasons: her unwavering love of animals and the organization’s constant need of financial support. 

The SPCA took in nearly 2,000 animals in 2018, according to Dee Schaefer, a humane educator at the SPCA— 92 percent of those animals are either returned to their rightful owners or adopted by new ones. 

Schaefer said that as an organization that runs primarily off donations, financial support is often needed to keep the heat and lights on at the organization’s offices and shelter, which can house up to 65 dogs and 200 cats. 

Susie Teuscher| Digital Design Editor

“We’re committed to making our community a kinder place and safer for the animals that are in it,” Schaefer said. 

Spearheading this event has been an eye-opening experience of sorts for Sperato, who said she entered uncharted waters organizing an event of this size and caliber. She added that, despite becoming emotional at times, the animal rescue message behind the event keeps her motivated to continue her work.  

“The thing about animals is that they cannot help themselves,” Sperato said. “It’s important for us as people to use whatever platform we have to be able to help anything that can’t help themselves.” 

Tickets can be purchased on Funk ‘n Waffles’ website for $5, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Central New York SPCA.

Published on January 27, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Contact Jordan: jslazins@syr.edu