OUR MISSION
ROCKTOBERFEAST is dedicated to alleviating hunger and combating food insecurity through passionate public advocacy, community awareness, and high-energy volunteer-led fundraising events that empower and fund partner food-relief organizations.
THE BEGINNING OF ROCKTOBERFEAST
In 2019, founders Sasha Buerano and William Grundmann decided to join forces and create, “The Local Fix Foundation” which produced events to raise money for non profits. Rocktoberfeast was born out of love for live music and fighting an important cause: food insecurity. Now, Rocktoberfeast has become its own 501c3 as it solely focuses its efforts on its mission.
MEET THE BOARD
DINA KHATTAR
Dina is the dynamic President of ROCKTOBERFEAST, a position she has embraced with passion and dedication. Her journey with the organization began in 2021 and 2022 when she first participated in the beloved ROCKTOBERFEAST event, which sparked an idea to transform the community celebration into a nonprofit organization. With a commitment to fostering connections through music and supporting small businesses, Dina has been instrumental in leading fundraising efforts that ensure each event is as unforgettable as her passion for live performances.
Originally a California transplant, Dina has called the beautiful Jersey Shore home for the past 16 years. As a small business owner in the health and wellness field, she understands the importance of community engagement and wellness, which she integrates into her leadership role. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dina enjoys taking sunrise walks with her wonderful dog, Conner and has a deep love for cooking and sharing meals with friends and family.
With her unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, love for live music, and commitment to community building, Dina is devoted to creating memorable experiences through ROCKTOBERFEAST and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her.
PRESIDENT
WILL GRUNDMANN
Will has a passion for helping others, especially in his own community. He is one of the original founders of Rocktoberfest, helping launch the event in 2019, and currently holds the Treasurer position. Will brings to the organization a very diverse background of skills and life experiences.
Personally, he has lived in Monmouth County his entire life, where he was also a volunteer FireFighter in Middletown Township. Professionally a modern day renaissance man, he has done a little bit of everything: Restaurant Manager, Financial Advisor, Craft Brewery Owner, and most recently a Union Carpenter with Local 254.
Referred to as "The Mayor" because he knows almost everyone, he loves making new friends and building new relationships. In what little spare time he has he enjoys taking care of plants, skiing, going to the beach, playing guitar, crafting furniture, and traveling.
FOUNDER + TREASURER
MIA DEMAGISTRIS
Mia was first introduced to Rocktoberfeast in 2020 while interning with The Local Fix Foundation during her time at Monmouth University. What started as a college internship quickly grew into a passion for the event and its mission. Today, she’s proud to serve as Secretary while leading Rocktoberfeast’s social media presence. Combining two of her favorite things—live music and giving back to the community—Rocktoberfeast is a cause that’s close to her heart.
As a Staten Island native, Mia fell in love with the Jersey Shore during her years at Monmouth and has considered it a second home ever since. By day, she works in marketing and operations for a State Farm agency, where she combines creativity, organization, and a passion for building meaningful connections. Whether she’s planning events, creating content, or finding new ways to engage the community, she believes that the smallest details can make the biggest impact.
Outside of work and Rocktoberfeast, you’ll usually find Mia at the beach, at a concert, traveling, spending time with family and friends, or obsessing over her dogs.
With a passion for storytelling, community, and giving back, Mia is dedicated to sharing Rocktoberfeast’s mission and inspiring others to rock for a reason.
SECRETARY