Show and Tell with A Gift For Teaching

Last Tuesday, some of the Rock For Hunger crew were very fortunate to visit Show and Tell at A Gift For Teaching in Orlando, FL. It was a luncheon and tour of their facility that showed us some of the majors faults of the current education system and the needs that teachers, students and parents have to get our children properly educated.

At the end of the tour, we were given the opportunity to shop around their retail store, collecting items for hypothetical situations of real world teachers. Upon completion, Melissa, one of our friendly tour guides, tallied up our shopping and allowed us to see the savings these teachers were seeing when they visited the store.

Some of out totals were pretty eye opening. The value of my items totaled $331.76, Patrick O'Brien whipped up close to $500 and even Chris managed to total in $462 worth of school supplies and Logan would have dropped $471 in a similar situation.


Some of our team stayed behind to talk about A Gift For Music, another program under the Gift For Teaching umbrella. Preliminary talks have some Orange County classical musicians opening up Rock For Hunger 4!

If you have children growing up in the Central Florida school system, you know that times are hard, and they are getting harder. Schools are being shut down, programs and activities are being cut and many children cannot afford basic supplies such as paper and pens.

With Rock For Hunger, we know that in order to cure poverty we need to start with education. Our tutors and meals program had its first field trip on Saturday (Chris will be giving a full recap tomorrow) and the glow in the kids eyes is something that we are very proud of. In order to grow our community, improve technology and innovation - we need to help our community out, grow together and help our neighbors.

If you are affected by the education system, I urge you to visit A Gift For Teaching, and see the difference this organization has made in 10 years in Orlando.

A Gift For Teaching Website
A Gift For Teaching on Twitter

Thanks for Rocking For Hunger Orlando!

-Greg Rollett

p.s. - get ready to Bowl For Hunger Orlando. Next Saturday, April 11th we will be showcasing our amazing bowling skills in an effort to raise over $1,000 for our developing programs including Talk 4 Hunger, Dreams Center Development and our Children's Educational Programs. Register here now!

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Bowl For Hunger - April 11th - Altamonte Lanes

(Click on picture to enlarge)

*Update - Register your team right here, right now!*

Rock For Hunger has been branching out in the last few months thanks in part to an awesome pool of volunteers and interns that have stepped up and decided to make an impact in the Orlando community. The Spring Interns have been working very hard and are very excited to throw their first official event, Bowl For Hunger! The event is a play on a Bowl-A-Thon which will take place on Saturday, April 11th at the Altamonte Lanes in Altamonte Springs, FL.

Check out the official press release below!

Anyone can think of an idea, but few make it a reality. Rock for Hunger started off as an idea and a community project by a group of UCF students and now these students have become leaders in the Central Florida community by providing a voice for the homeless through music and peace, one person at a time. Today, Rock for Hunger is a 501 c (3) nonprofit organization that inspires large groups of local supporters and volunteers to feed over two hundred individuals every week. Rock for Hunger also develops tutoring programs for at-risk students and works to create job training and housing programs for the Central Florida homeless community. The results have significantly influenced many homeless individuals to overcome their hardships, giving them hope for the future

This year, on Saturday, April 11th 2009, Rock for Hunger is hosting its First annual Bowl-A-Thon at Altamonte Lanes in Altamonte Springs, FL at 7pm. Events includes live acoustic music and a silent auction. Bowl for Hunger will give the people of Central Florida the opportunity to help raise money for The Dream Center, a place where the homeless can receive financial and career training, learn about Rock for Hunger, and most importantly, the opportunity to provide education, food, jobs, and more to those struck by poverty. Our goal is to raise over $1000 for Rock for Hunger. The price is $25 per team of three or $10 for individuals. This is a new year with new history being made, so be a part of the spirit of change by giving back to your community. Come out and join the fun to make a difference and support Rock for Hunger’s efforts in spreading awareness about homelessness and poverty in Central Florida through music and peace.

What: 1st Annual Bowl For Hunger 2009
Who: Rock for Hunger
Where: Altamonte Lanes
280 Douglas Ave
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
When: Saturday April 11th 2009

For more information, please visit: www.rockforhunger.org or greg@rockforhunger.org.

I hope to get electronic sign-up sheets online this afternoon so you can start getting your team of 3 ready to Rock, er, Bowl For Hunger!

We are also looking for lane sponsors. If you know anyone that would like to sponsor this event, sponsor packages start at $50, which in Rock For Hunger economics can feed up to 200 people or send 5 children on a learning excursion to create and inspire dreams! Send an email to greg@rockforhunger.org.

-Greg Rollett

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Featured Artist of the Week: Fireflight

Sometimes people don't give Orlando enough credit. Our city's image has been tarnished alongside the reputation of boy bands and mouse ears. But what most out-of-towners don't understand is that we have a culture of art, quality music and creative-minded individuals that allow us to be able to compete with some of the most reputable cities in the nation.

When you think of popular bands that came from Orlando you think Shinedown, Backstreet Boys, Dark New Day, and obviously many more. My point is that a lot of great and successful acts don't get attributed back to Orlando, leaving our undesirable reputation in tact.

Fireflight is one of the those overlooked groups. Hailing from Orlando, they are arguably one of the most talented artists that have ever come out of Central Florida. Right now, they are capitalizing on their markets with amazing new material and hitting the road on an aggressive tour with Pillar.

Fireflight may be self-classified as a "Christian" band, but don't let that let you pigeonhole them. Without the public identification, an average would just be able to point out their positive messages in their songs. Regardless, they are a solid female-fronted act that is only going to continue moving upward in the industry.

On Sunday night, March 29th, Fireflight will be at the Plaza Theatre with Pillar. Visit theplazatheatre.com for more information and listen to Fireflight on their MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/fireflight

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Featured Artist of the Week: Alex Baugh and the Crazy Carls

Ever since we heard about Alex Baugh and the Crazy Carls, we have become huge fans of the band. Already, the band has performed at multiple RFH events, including November's RFH Fest 3 at the Plaza Theatre (where he had the entire second stage dancing - he even had girls dancing on stage with him).


He is a performer to say the least. And the band is solid and polished. They have managed to build a strong following in the reggae world within their short lifespan thus far in Central Florida.

On Saturday night, Alex Baugh and the Crazy Carls will be performing at the Social as an opening act to Spiritual Rez. Doors are at 9:00. Show should start at around 1o:00.

-Logan

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Featured Artist of the Week: Spring Show Preview

Tomorrow night, BackBooth will host one of the most highly anticipated Rock for Hunger events ever. With a headlining act of There For Tomorrow, a supporting performance by Senate, the hype of Sound Cannon and the opening flows of G-Ro & the Sneakers, it is sure to be a memorable night.

All of tomorrow's performers have been recognized as Featured Artists of the Week on this blog. In order for you to review more information on each of them, I have provided each act's picture, webpage, and link to their honor as Featured Artists.

There For Tomorrow
http://www.myspace.com/therefortomorrow
http://blog.rockforhunger.org/2009/02/featured-artist-of-week-there-for.html

Senate
http://www.myspace.com/senatebandonline
http://blog.rockforhunger.org/2009/03/featured-artist-of-week-senate.html

Sound Cannon
http://www.myspace.com/soundcannon
http://blog.rockforhunger.org/2009/02/featured-artist-of-week-sound-cannon.html

G-Ro & The Sneakers
http://www.myspace.com/grobreakn
http://blog.rockforhunger.org/2008/07/featured-artist-of-week-skateboard.html

The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are only $10 a piece. Every ticket feeds 40 people.
You better be there!
-Logan

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A Gift For Music + Nonprofit Social Media

It is not everyday that I stumble upon local nonprofits that are kicking butt with social media. In the hunger and homeless department there are 2 shining stars, NOMSA and the Coalition for the Homeless. They both use Twitter, Facebook and other new media tools to connect with their volunteers, find supporters and donors and address situations, problems and accomplishments.

Today, I got wind of another long standing nonprofit in the Orlando community, A Gift For Teaching.

Brief history: What began in 1998 from our founder Gary Landwirth as a way to recycle unwanted or surplus supplies from businesses has grown into tri-county-wide operation distributing more than $35,000 worth of school supplies and incentives daily to our community's highest-need schools and classrooms for FREE.

As they began to grow and enhance their services, A Gift For Music was born. The program essentially gives children the opportunity to play a stringed instrument, gain instruction and perform for a live audience with their peers and professionals. What a program!

Check out a video of the program here:



For a full run down of what A Gift For Teaching is up to online visit them in the following new media places:

• Twitter
• Blog
• Vimeo
• YouTube
• Facebook Causes

This is a very cool group and maybe one day Rock For Hunger can help with their music program and share rock star dreams with the children. Anyway, have a great weekend and get ready to really Rock For Hunger next Thursday at the Spring Show. (Buy tix here - they are almost gone!)

-Greg Rollett

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Interview With Badspade - Spring Concert Sponsor

Hey guys. We are getting very, very close to the Rock For Hunger Spring Show and things are getting exciting. If you have not bought your ticket yet, I strongly urge you to do so before the weekend ends as they are selling faster than any Rock For Hunger show we have had in the past. Grab them at Park Ave CD's, Park Ave Jr or get them right now here.

Ok, on to a really cool partner we are thrilled to be showcasing at the Spring Show. Badspade first hung out with Rock For Hunger at RFH Fest 3 this past November as a vendor and believes in our cause so much that they are coming back for more. I had the privilege of asking him a few questions about the clothing line and what the significance of supporting the community means to them. Check out what Sam had to say:

RFH: Can you tell us about the history of Badspade?

Sam: Badspade as its known today was created many years ago. It all started while I was in the Navy, I met my now life long friend Kevin Harris While Playing Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2. The opening song was The Ace of Spades By Motorhead, We would play that game non stop in the common area singing that song at the top of our lungs. People would come in and challenge us swearing they were the best at the game and would soon walk away with their tails tucked between their legs, ego Scared for life after watching the millions upon millions of points racked up in one trick.

So needless to say Kevin was the GoodSpade and I was the Badspade. Sort of a Yin Yang twins scenario.

That is were it all started But as the years went on I started down the path of graphic design and he suggested I start my own Shirt company. And Badspade Was born.

RFH: You attend a lot of local events as a vendor. How important is building up a local following to you and your business?

Sam: Local following is one of the most important values you can have, Its all about branding. When someone on the street and see's your Logo on a sticker or a sign and they think BADSPADE, then you know you are doing it right. When people know who you are and that the quality of your product is awesome there is no greater feeling.

RFH: The Spring Show is going to be your second appearance at a Rock For Hunger event, what draws you to the cause, the shows and makes you want to be a part of it?

Sam: Well first off, All of the money goes to a good cause. It hurts to know that there are people out there suffering. Often when things get tough in life I look at what I have and Know that it really isn't that bad because people are out there right now that have nothing.
I think deep down everyone wants to help others, but they don't know how. This event is working to stamp out hunger. Even if they have no place to go, they can get a good meal. So that makes me feel really good. It is important to be there so that people know BADSPADE wants to help.

Secondly Meeting new and interesting people is the best, I love the many interesting people i meet on these events.

RFH: Anything cool you can share with us about Badspade - new shirts, designs, upgrades, etc?

Sam: Rock For Hunger will be on my birthday(28 years) But I will be giving out the presents instead of getting them. I will have some Give away Shirts at this show, they were actually from my first design of shirts that did not work out the way i had planned. They printed them on the wrong shirt blanks so I have been cutting the sleeves off and giving away the "Pirate Edition Shirt" LOL. But as with any give away I only have a few so get em while their hot.

I have a lot of great new designs ready to hit the market, I am actually working on a girls clothing line up for the spring.

I also have some other great idea's for some designer jackets and hoodies. I am also going to be doing some Limited Edition shirts. So a lot of things are coming down the pipeline but i can't give out too many details just yet, so stay tuned.

RFH: How do you see your growth in the coming months? Are you looking to sponsor bands, athletes, etc? Take the show on the road?

Sam: I am Always excited about the growth of the company, In the next couple of months I plan on releasing some exclusive Limited Edition Shirts, only 50-100 shirts will be printed in a particular style. I am always looking to sponsor bands and athletes to help push the brand and promote the line. Only I don't know any bands or athletes lol. So if you know any, Send them my way.

I'd like to thank Sam for his time and also his support of Rock For Hunger. Please grab a shirt and rock it around the city. You will feel good knowing that you supported a local company with great products and outstanding morals. See you all on Thursday!

For more information on Badspade, please visit their website.

-Greg Rollett

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Featured Artist of the Week: Senate

They might sound a lot like 311, but since when is that a bad thing? This week's Featured Artist, Senate, a band that recently signed to the Orlando label Fuel Records, will be gracing the BackBooth stage on March 12th for the Rock for Hunger Spring Show.


Some may know Senate by their previous name, First Hit, where they started out as a 311 cover band. Since those days, the guys wrote original tunes, traded out a band member, and changed their name. Despite the similarities to 311, there is no denying that the band has raw talent and a knack for quality songwriting.

Check out their music on their MySpace by clicking here.

We hope to see everyone out at BackBooth next Thursday, March 12th to witness There for Tomorrow, Karrigan, and Sound Cannon share the stage with this week's Featured Artist.
-Logan

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the Week in Rock for Hunger

We have lots going on with the first annual UCF Rock for Hunger week. Throughout the week check the blog for flyers to all the cool events we have going, and to help fundraise for Rock for Hunger!

MONDAY-FRIDAY 3pm-6pm Tutors & Meals
Come join Angela and the kids at the New Image Youth Center and tutor less fortunate children in the Parramore area of Downtown Orlando. For more info contact Angela Griner: angelagriner@gmail.com

MONDAY – Chicken Day at Huey Magoo’s!
Grab a flyer and stop by Huey Magoo's for some tasty chicken and they will donate portion of your purchase of a meal + drink to Rock for Hunger! We will post the flyers as soon as we get them so stay tuned! Stop in between 6pm-9pm

MONDAY – Weekly Food Sharing
Join us for our weekly Food Sharing down at Lake Eola from 6:45pm-8:15pm. I will be back this week!!! We meet at the corner for Robinson and Eola Dr across from Panera Bread. For more info send an e-mail to: chris@rockforhunger.org.

TUESDAY – Open Mic & Beer at Underground Bluz UCF
Where could you go to have a cold drink, listen to good music and support Rock for Hunger? Underground Bluz on Tuesday night! Come by Open Mic Night starting at 10 and say hi to Rock for Hunger! Underground Bluz is located on the corner of Alafaya Trail and University Blvd.

WEDNESDAY – TALK 4 HUNGER Release Party/Rock for Hunger Tweet up!
Join us for free beer, wine and finger food at the Endagon Headquarters in Downtown Orlando from 6pm-7:30pm at 37 N. Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32803. Come meet local Orlando gen-y and community leaders, and learn about Talk 4 Hunger.

WEDNEDSAY – Hmmm Get you Baked Goods!
Who loves baked goods? Everyone. So you should go to Rock for Hunger's bake sale and satisfy your sweet tooth. We are coming to the UCF campus so be sure to give yourself a break from studying for midterms, find us (location is TBD) and get a little sugar to boost your day!

THURSDAY – Eat at UNO’s Pizzeria!
Start your Spring Break celebration early! Bring a flyer to Uno's Chicago Grill (on University) and they are donating a portion of your meal to Rock for Hunger! Hang out in the lounge and challenge your friends to a game of Buzztime Trivia while supporting Rock for Hunger at the same time! What could be better? UNO’s is donating 10% of your sales all day long when you bring a flyer.

FRIDAY – HAVE AN AWESOME SPRING BREAK!!!

SATURDAY – Board of Directors Meeting 10am-11:30am

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