Rock the Day – July 24th 2010

In this time of tough funding it is increasingly difficult to raise money for worthwhile non profits organizations, arts or otherwise. The definition of a successful fundraiser is an event designated to raise funds to support the organizations mission. It requires the support from vendors, supporters, media, patrons and sometimes local government. Newport Arts Scene attended Newport RI Rocks event “Rock the Day” to help raise money for A Wish Come True Inc. at Jimmy’s Saloon last Saturday July 24th. It had all the elements of a successful fundraiser and more. Jimmy’s Saloon hosted eight bands that would play all day from 2pm till close to help make a terminally ill children’s wishes come true. The event was hosted by Melody from Newport RI Rocks and the MC was Tom C. Erb from Newport Arts Scene and STAGERight. The band line up started with Kernen Dibble a one man acoustic, followed by Garcia & Oats a band made up of Jared Smith and Kevin D. Delano that stated that “Our name is two bands we don’t like”. Their music was of 60’s and 70’s with added comedy in between. They were fun and even invited the MC up to do some ZZ Top. Next was a local favorite made up of young people playing their parents music and a few originals. Bloody Knuckles was rocking the house. After that came the jazzy music of Dive Alarm. And the night continued on with High Tower, Narcs, Natur and Designated Driver finished up the day. Rock the Day was the brain child of Melody Mulcahey who approached Rosemary Bowers the Founder and Executive Director of A Wish Come True Inc. “I wanted to help make the wishes of the children who were suffering from life threatening illnesses come true” said Melody. The two of them hooked up with Jackie at Jimmy’s Saloon and a fundraiser was born. Rock and Roll all day helps a wish come true. Plus there were several other sponsors: Tami’s Treasures, Miche by the Sea, Coastal Carpet Cleaners, Pickles Deli and Catering, Casey’s Casuals, Total Fitness, Newport Pilates, Amena Imports, The Grape Room, and Flo Clam Shack. There was a 50/50 raffle and tons of give a ways. $10 at the door ($9 if you bring a canned good)…should have been more with all the free food and music. So if you are looking for a good cause to give some money to A Wish Come True, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization founded in 1982 that grants wishes to medically qualified children ages 3 through 18, who have a life-threatening illness and live in Rhode Island and areas of southeastern Massachusetts. Their list of wishes continues to grow - but with the help of many individuals like you, and with help from our friends in the business community, we continue to make so many children's wishes come true... There is only one time...It is now! "Dreams are only A WISH away"
This is the official beginning of the Newport Arts Scene blog which you can view at http://newportarts.blogspot.com and can be seen on NewportRIRocks.com. If you are an artist or arts organization who would like a feature or a review you can contact Tom C. Erb at newportartsscene@gmail.com or 401-207-4812