Originally posted on MakeCharityCool.com on June 7, 2011
Charity Spotlight | GIRLS WHO ROCK concert benefiting She’s the First
By Jillian Diedrich
The second annual GIRLS WHO ROCK benefit concert will rock out for girls’ education worldwide this Friday, June 10, at Gramercy Theatre in New York City beginning at 8 p.m.
Taking place during Internet Week New York, GIRLS WHO ROCK benefiting She’s the First will fundraise for the sponsorship of girls at the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, where less than 20 percent of girls graduate secondary school.
Put together by a rock star team of all-volunteers, GWR brings together the most dedicated voices in music, media, technology and design. The team has worked to help Ugandan girls be the first in their family to graduate high school.
“Being Indian, and having gone to India a plethora of times, I know how hard it is for girls to get an education,” said 17-year-old volunteer and recent Archbishop Molloy High School graduate Opal Vadhan. “I think it is so empowering that this organization is raising money for girls in third-world countries to get an education.”
Opal has been working hand-in-hand with co-founders Cynthia Hellen and Tammy Tibbetts as the creative associate, responsible for concept development and monitoring the daily tasks of the team.
“My experience has been incredible so far! I absolutely love what I get to do at GWR!” said Opal. “It’s been such an exciting opportunity in my life where I’ve gotten to learn so much and meet so many great people.”
Looking to get involved?
Running on the passion of a team younger than 30, and by the generosity of artists donating their time and talent, GIRLS WHO ROCK aims to raise at least $20,000 in this one night and in an online fundraising campaign at http://girlswhorock.causevox.com. Donate $11 in honor of the Class of 2011 campaign now!
The talented and diverse lineup of rocking female performers includes platinum-recording artist JoJo; the R&B twin duo Nina Sky; up-and-coming artist Nikki Jean, releasing her debut album Pennies in a Jar in July; Eddy, the first to produce a music video on the iPad2; KimberlyNichole, featured in Vogue; along with DJ Kiss, emcee Touré, host of Fuse TV and Rolling Stone music journalist, with special appearance by Data, robotic standup actor and comedian, presented by TED fellow Heather Knight.
Tickets are available online at http://girlswhorock2011.eventbrite.com/.
GIRLS WHO ROCK will be Ustreamed live the night of the concert for those who cannot attend but want to stay tuned in. GWR demonstrates in real time how the Internet can be used to create social impact, especially through social media.
An innovative spin on the concert is the pilot of a student volunteer program, GIRLS WHO ROCK Gives Back. The initiative brings high school and college students deep into the concert creation process.
“GWR isn’t only a team, I consider them my family!” concluded Opal. “I’ve always wanted an older sister and now I have SO many of them! I’m learning so many lessons, from work wise to life wise. And it’s great to have a support system where we are all rooting for each other!”
Learn more at http://girlswhorock.org.
Donation page: http://girlswhorock.causevox.com/ [Donations can be made until the end of June. Help GWR reach its $5,000 online fundraising goal!]
Ticket page: http://girlswhorock2011.eventbrite.com/
Follow breaking updates on GIRLS WHO ROCK’s Facebook page and the @GirlsWhoRockNY Twitter handle.
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