WingFest 2026 Raises Funds for Childhood Cancer Families, Features Local Musicians

WingFest 2026 drew a crowd of more than 1,000 people to the Margate Sports Complex on June 20. The event was organized by Doc Reno, a long‑time FM 105.9 host, and was billed as a community celebration of music, food, and charity. The evening’s headline act was the R Train Band, whose drummer Mike Annese performed a set that included the band’s recent hit “Indigo.”

Mike Annese is a retired Tamarac Fire Department chief who served 27.5 years, including three years as chief. After retiring, he returned to his first love, drumming. Annese told reporters that the show “was a great way to focus on my music passion” and that the event’s charitable purpose added meaning to the performance. He also confirmed that the R Train Band will release a new single, “Mariah,” in July.

The R Train Band has achieved notable chart success on Amazon Music, with “Indigo” holding the number‑one spot for several days. The band’s popularity has helped it attract a dedicated following in the local music scene. According to the band’s social‑media posts, the upcoming single will continue the group’s momentum and is expected to be added to streaming playlists in the coming month.

Other performers at WingFest included Len “Blackjack” Leuci, a Coral Springs bass guitarist who also repairs guitars, and Jeffrey Black of Hollywood, the band’s lead singer. The School of Rock in Coral Springs brought its house band, with teacher Aaron Cowans praising the group as “dedicated and experienced musicians.” Friday at Five and Bread Zeppelin also performed, adding variety to the program.

The event featured a wings competition among food‑truck operators. Hangry Joes won first place for Best Tasting and Most Original, according to the competition’s results posted on the event’s social‑media pages. Vendors also sold arts‑and‑crafts items, and the food trucks offered a range of wing flavors that attracted many attendees.

All proceeds from the event were donated to the My Family Matters Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families with children undergoing cancer treatment. The foundation’s website states that it helps cover travel, lodging, and daily living expenses so families can focus on care rather than bills. The WingFest donation was part of the foundation’s broader fundraising strategy for the 2026 season.

Doc Reno said the event was a “good time” and that supporting families of children with cancer is a priority for him. He added that the combination of music, food, and community spirit made the evening a success. The Margate Sports Complex hosted the event for the second consecutive year, and organizers plan to return next summer.