Mission of Love

Feature story for The Memphis Daily News

Aug. 28, 2013

Rock for Love brings annual awareness to Church Health Center

Beginning Sept. 5, Memphis will once again come together to Rock for Love.

The seventh annual, three-day fundraiser for the Church Health Center, providing health care for the working uninsured, will kick off that Thursday evening with a VIP barbecue at Ardent Studios.

And this year there’s a twist.

“While it’s a VIP barbecue for donors, bands, sponsors and friends of the center, there is a public ticket component so folks from the community can purchase a ticket, or a table for that matter,” said Jeff Hulett, public relations and communications coordinator for the Church Health Center.

The following night sees a bill of four bands at Young Avenue Deli in Cooper-Young, featuring the Side Street Steppers, Reemus Bodeemus, Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage and Kaleidophonix, as well as DJ Devin Steel between sets. Saturday puts a new spin on the raucous tradition with a family-friendly event at Overton Park in the afternoon.

“It’s free, but we’re encouraging donations and beer will be for sale,” Hulett said.

The afternoon will feature various kids activities, arts and crafts tables, the Grizzlies’ bounce houses and a bake sale. It all will be happening close to the newly renovated and opened playground, with an atmosphere Hulett compares to the popular Memphis Rock-n-Romp events.

That same night sees a concert at the Levitt Shell, featuring up-and-comers Mark Stuart with Kait Lawson, as well as Patrick Dodd, John Kilzer and Kirk Whalum . . . (read more)