Over Two Million in Funds Raised to Date
Star-Studded Night Featured Special Acoustic Songwriter in the Round Performances by Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain, and Emerson Hart of Tonic
Platinum-selling band, SisterHazel, hosted Lyrics For Life-An Evening Of Making Music Matter on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in the Band’s hometown, Gainesville, FL. This marked the first time in the 15-year history of the charities events that the band hosted in their hometown. Presented by Rich and Carissa Blaser, the event raised over $200k for the non-profit charities Lyrics For Life’s Camp Hazelnut and Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, as well as Stop Children’s Cancer in Gainesville, FL. This special event put the charity over the two million mark in funds raised since the inception of the charity in 2002. Attendees bid in a star-studded silent auction featuring handwritten lyrics by some of the industry’s biggest stars including James Taylor, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, and more.
“The Lyrics For Life benefit concert was a true homecoming for all of us in the Sister Hazel family,” said lead singer Ken Block. “In the 15 years since the band and I founded L4L to combat children’s cancer in memory of my little brother, Jeffrey, we’ve hosted events across the country, but this event was our first L4L event at home in Gainesville and it was incredible.”
A portion of the proceeds from every Lyrics For Life event around the country is donated to Stop Children’s Cancer in Gainesville, FL to help fund pediatric cancer research. Lyrics For Life is proud to have donated approximately $250K over the years to Stop. Other cancer charities that have also benefited from Lyrics For Life’s events include Children’s Cancer Center of Tampa, Camp Sunshine in Atlanta, as well as other camps and programs in the cities where the events have been held.
About Sister Hazel:
Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status. In their first showing on the country music charts they made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard‘s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The band landed on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart again in 2016 with “Unplugged From Daryl’s House Club” at #75. Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” that focuses on fan involvement and was a pioneer in themed cruise experiences by co-founding “The Rock Boat,” a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with Lyrics For Life. Founded by singer Ken Block and the band, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.
About Lyrics For Life:
Lyrics For Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. Sister Hazel frontman, Ken Block, and his band mates founded Lyrics For Life in memory of Ken’s younger brother, Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer that started at age 14. The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions, and other fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure, as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, we are surrounding this disease and conquering it from every angle. Artists participate in many ways, often by donating handwritten lyrics to one of their songs on anything from a simple sheet of paper to a surfboard to some other unique item, which we offer for auction at one of our Lyrics For Life events. Our team of musicians, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters set high goals for the future. We accept the challenge to find new ways of raising money and awareness and to help make each day a little brighter until there is a cure. http://www.lyricsforlife.org/
About Camp Hazelnut:
Decades of familiar, happy faces cover the walls in the dining hall of Camp Crystal Lake outside Gainesville, FL. Kids around the U.S. have been spending summers there for as long as anyone can remember, so when the Camp’s Director, Scott Burton, got word to the band that he would love to collaborate on an event, everyone loaded up the car and headed out for a visit. The conversation started simply as a family-focused Sister Hazelfan event—a weekend “summer camp” retreat with activities, bonfires, cabins, and, of course, music. When Sister Hazel decided to also invite some regional kids with cancer and their families, the idea took on a whole new meaning, and the weekend turned out to be far more powerful than anyone first imagined: so much so, that they decided to center future Camp Hazelnut events around these special kids and families. The Camp Hazelnut goal is simple: create a playful, safe, uplifting experience for kids and families navigating the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis. It’s a place to simply get away and come together. The campers embark on a great exploration to discover (or rediscover!) the magic that can only be created at summer camp, and the band is right there alongside them every step of the way, leading activities, playing acoustic campfire sing-alongs, sharing, giggling, and having a blast. http://www.lyricsforlife.org/camp-hazelnut
About The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation:
The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation was founded in 2011 by a group of Florida Cancer Specialists partner physicians who recognized many patients struggle with everyday living expenses while undergoing cancer treatment. They believed no one should choose between paying bills and receiving cancer treatment. The FCS Foundation provides financial support to qualified cancer patients and their families for expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills. By giving patients peace of mind in knowing that their bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment, we allow them to concentrate on what really matters fighting cancer and getting well.
Non-medical, financial aid from the FCS Foundation is available to Florida residents 18 years of age or older who are receiving cancer treatment from a Florida oncologist. Recipients must have a household income at or below 200% of the national poverty guidelines. 100% of donations received go directly towards paying the essential living expenses of someone with cancer. http://foundation.flcancer.com/
Non-medical, financial aid from the FCS Foundation is available to Florida residents 18 years of age or older who are receiving cancer treatment from a Florida oncologist. Recipients must have a household income at or below 200% of the national poverty guidelines. 100% of donations received go directly towards paying the essential living expenses of someone with cancer. http://foundation.flcancer.com/
