Several years ago, when Elizabeth was employed by a domestic violence shelter, she called me one night after work in distress. It was about a week and a half before Christmas, and the shelter had received an influx of moms with kids - more than anticipated, and more than the shelter's holiday gift budget could support. That day, Elizabeth had a conversation with two little girls who told her not to worry, that they "understood why Santa wouldn't be coming this year" because they lived in a shelter. I told Elizabeth I knew just the folks who could get a message to Santa - Rock For Kids. A few phone calls later, Elizabeth was talking to Santa's elvish helpers at Rock For Kids, and what do you know, the reindeer's GPS system found the kids' new address at the shelter... now that's what I call a Christmas miracle!
Rock For Kids is a charity started by members of Chicago's music community twenty years ago with the goal of bringing Christmas gifts to children living in homeless shelters. They're so much more than just holiday gifts, though today. Over the last two decades, Rock For Kids exponentially increased its services to include its flagship music education program, Youth Jam. Youth Jam brings free year-round music education to underprivileged and homeless children throughout the Chicago area. Through free music lessons Rock For Kids works to improve the self-esteem and confidence of the students, while introducing them to the joy of music.
Tonight, Rock For Kids once again presents their most fun party of the year: The 6th Annual Music Mixer. Join Chicago's music community as they auction off one-of-a-kind mix CDs and raise money to support Youth Jam. Some of the folks contributing mix CDs this year include staff of Metro, Threadless, Schubas and the Onion, artists The Redwalls, Jon Langford, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and Robbie Fulks and much, much more. It all kicks off at 7pm at Smart Bar, 3730 N Clark Street. A $5 donation is suggested.
I'm honored that I was asked to contribute a mix CD again this year - actually, I've made a double-CD mix. My theme is "Alphabet Soup", and per the rules of the auction, that's all I can say until the winner is announced... but trust me, it's awesome! Hope to see you tonight!
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