Part of what makes Rockit Live Foundation special is its focus on community outreach. Post pandemic, Rockit students have been busy using their talents to raise money and awareness for an abundance of great causes!
A THANK YOU FROM UKRAINE
On May 15, 2022, organized by Rockit vocalist Eva Master and her parents, Rockit students held a concert called “Jersey Rocks for Ukraine” that helped raise over $40K for Hope For Ukraine, a non-profit organization that provides food, medical attention, shelter, and education for Ukrainians whose lives have been devastated because of war.
Funds raised helped renovate two schools in Ukraine and provide much needed educational supplies, including computers, printers, and sewing machines. Watch this video from Ukraine thanking Rockit Live Foundation and Hope for Ukraine.
CAROLING FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY CANCER
On December 8, 2022 Rockit students joined Be Like Jake, a non-profit foundation that raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer, and brought holiday cheer to MacKenna, a 4-year-old who was diagnosed with brain cancer.
MacKenna and her family received a parade led by the Jackson Police and Fire Company, as well as an actual tank filled with amazing gifts, financial assistance, and lots of smiles! Rockit students set the mood singing holiday songs.
“With sirens blasting, chorus singing and an outpouring of love, MacKenna and her family had a ‘Tank the Halls’ they will never forget!” -Be Like Jake
Update on MacKenna: After going through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplants, her latest brain scan shows no evidence of the disease!
KICK CANCER OVERBOARD CONCERT
On December 29, 2022, after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, Rockit Academy joined Kick Cancer Overboard, for their annual holiday event with a concert at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park. Kick Cancer Overboard is a nonprofit organization that gives free cruises to families affected by cancer.
Kick Cancer Overboard raised $10K that night and awarded cruises to three families, including The O’Malley Family, whose son, Connor, is a Rockit Alumni and continues to be our stage tech. Connor’s mom, Donna, battled cancer during the pandemic and is now in remission.
Rockit alumni joined current students on stage for a magical night that included a mixture of songs from our “Rockit Goes to the Movies” show and holiday music. Special thanks to our Rockit alumni who helped make the night so successful: Mike Castellano, Alec DeMello, Rob Grande, Lexi Jaeger, Jordyn Krenkel, Christine Meisenhelter, Connor O’Malley, Sophie Ruggiero, and Antonios Tsompanidis.
LIGHT OF DAY NEXT GENERATION
On January 15, 2023, Rockit Academy performed on The Stone Pony’s legendary stage for Light of Day Next Generation to help raise money and awareness to fund research, education, and improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and PSP.
After Rockit students finished their set, beloved local musician Brian Kirk spoke to the crowd and said, “…my band is gonna take some notes from these kids on how these songs should be done!” He later emailed Bruce Gallipani and wrote, “I was really blown away by everything I saw on Sunday. Great job with these students.”
The students not only impressed the crowd, they also caught the eyes and ears of professional musicians in the room. Rockit guitarist, Ryan Lowry, was invited to play “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones with Freddy and the Phantoms, a band from Denmark during their LOD set. Also, Rockit guitarist and vocalist, Nick Grande, caught the attention of Brian Kirk and the Jirks and has since played with them at a few events.
The Rockit Live Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help develop, nurture, and inspire young musicians to reach their full artistic potential through music education offered in partnership with Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ. The foundation’s defining focus is outreach, music education, scholarships, and to reach all aspiring artists at every level of economic status.
