FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July, 2009
Rock for a Remedy and Indigo Girls join forces on Nationwide
Spring Tour
Non-profit and rockers pair up to help fight hunger in the U.S. through
concert-based food drives
SEATTLE, Washington – Beginning on April 8th in Asheville, North Carolina, non-profit organization, Rock for a Remedy, Inc. (RFAR), will partner with iconic rock duo, Indigo Girls, in an effort to help eradicate the hunger crisis in the United States. On July 26th, the group will be at the Woodland Park Zoo where the concert will benefit local hunger relief organization, Food Lifeline.
Rock for a Remedy is a non-profit organization that partners with local food relief organizations and national touring artists to both gather food and monetary donations as well as encourage youth and adults to better their communities through charitable efforts.
At each subsequent stop on the Indigo Girls tour, RFAR will be present and ready to accept non-perishable food donations from fans at the shows. Donations collected each night will go to local food banks and pantries to aid the needs in each community. On July 26th, this partnership will be coming to Woodland Park Zoo to benefit the work of Food Lifeline, a hunger relief organization serving nearly 600,000 people throughout Western Washington. Last year, the organization delivered nearly 17 million meals to hungry children and their families through its network of 300 food banks, meal programs and shelters. Organizationslike Rock for a Remedy help to ensure these people continue to get the wholesome food they need.
Soaring food prices and the failing economy are two main factors in the rising numbers of Americans struggling to put food on the table. Currently, 4 million Americans utilize the services of food banks on a weekly basis.
“Few people realize that there are over 35 million hungry people in the United States who don't make the daily headlines,” says Rock for a Remedy Director, KJ Doyle. “The hungry truly are of all ages. They are the employed and the jobless. They are inhabitants of urban neighborhoods and families in suburbia. Above all, children, women and rural communities are on the frontlines and most at risk for hunger.”
"It is a terrible thing to go hungry, but together we can make a difference. During these dark economic times we must remember our friends and neighbors who are struggling to put food on their tables. We look forward to working with RFAR and our concert-goers to share with those who most need our help" says Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls.
Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls agrees, stating "Donating food is such a simple idea, it almost seems impossible that it would have such a huge impact - BUT it does! We appreciate RFAR’s efforts and encourage you to do anything you can to help. Nourishment is the best gift to give, feed the community, feed your heart."
RFAR's mission is not only to alleviate hunger in North America, but to also encourage and motivate concertgoers to volunteerism and develop sustainable altruistic participation in the music industry at large.
"Rock for a Remedy gives fans a simple way to make a major impact in the fight against hunger: a couple of cans from an individual becomes boxes of donations from a crowd,” states Doyle. “It gives people a means to make a difference in their communities in a simple way, while gaining a greater understanding about poverty at a local level.”
In addition, for every 4 items donated, fans have the chance to enter a raffle to win signed copy of the Indigo Girls’ latest release, Poseidon and the Bitter Bug, along with other band memorabilia.
About Rock for a Remedy
Rock for a Remedy, Inc. (RFAR) brings together socially conscious musicians and their civic-minded fans via food drives all across North America, with all donations given to area food banks in local communities. Audiences have passionately responded to the food drive revolution, allowing Food Banks to distribute nearly 95 tons of food over RFAR’s five plus year history. Each food drive directly benefits the community in which the concert is held.
About Indigo Girls
Since their formation over two decades ago, ground-breaking folk duo The Indigo Girls have become one of America’s most beloved vocal duos. After signing to Epic Records in 1988, they released their critically acclaimed eponymous album to thunderous praise; it remained on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 35 weeks, earned double platinum status, received a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist” and won “Best Contemporary Folk Recording.” They were overnight folk rock icons who continued to live up to the high standards they’d set for themselves: they’ve since released 10 albums, garnered six Grammy nominations, and made numerous appearances on national television shows while consistently playing to enthusiastic audiences.
The duo has balanced their long, successful musical career by supporting numerous social causes – the Indigo Girls don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Having established an intensely dedicated fan base, the duo continues to remain relevant and attract new fans. With their latest release, Poseidon And The Bitter Bug, released on their own IG Recordings imprint, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have secured their spot as one of the most legendary musical acts of this generation.
About Food Lifeline
Food Lifeline is the largest hunger relief organization in Washington State, efficiently serving the local Western Washington area by using 95% of revenue to directly feed hungry people. Last year the organization delivered more than 17 million meals to hungry people through its network of more than 300 neighborhood food banks, hot meal programs, shelters and other food providers. Food Lifeline is also a member of the national organization, Feeding America. For more information about Food Lifeline or to make a tax-deductible donation, log onto www.foodlifeline.org or call 206-545-6600.
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CONTACTS:
For Rock for a Remedy:
KJ Doyle, 802-238-8252
For Indigo Girls:
Angie Carlson, Press Here Publicity 212-246-2640
For Food Lifeline:
Camilla Bishop
Director of Development
(206) 545-6600