Rockin’ The Big House grosses $365,000 to support United Way’s youth initiatives
United Way thanks all the bands, supporters, volunteers and staff that made it a great success
KINGSTON, ON. / Sept. 26, 2019 – On September 14, 2019, over 3,000 community members attended a historic concert on the grounds of Kingston Penitentiary in support of the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. In total, the event raised $365,000 (gross) through sponsorships, tickets, food, beverage and merchandise sales.
A number of Canadian bands and musicians, including Kasador, The Pursuit of Happiness, The Trews, The Headstones, special guests Tom Cochrane and members of The Tragically Hip: Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Paul Langlois, took the stage during the event. Their energy and community support made the night one that those in attendance won’t soon forget.
“On behalf of the 2019 United Way Campaign Committee, I would like to extend a special thank you to all the performers for donating their time and talent to this event,” said Scott Harris, 2019 United Way Campaign Chair. “I’d also like to thank the amazing committee members, volunteers and staff that made the event possible. It was no small feat to plan this type of event and many, many people worked together for months to make it a success.”
Over 130 volunteers showed their local love, with numerous local partners contributing in-kind support to make Rockin’ the Big House a success. The event was made possible through partnerships between the United Way KFL&A, The Correctional Service of Canada, St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the City of Kingston.
The funds raised from the event will be directed towards ongoing youth homelessness initiatives in the community.
“As with the funds raised through the Kingston Pen Tours, funds from Rockin’ the Big House will continue the important work being done to prevent and end youth homelessness in the community,” said Harris. “We need to keep the momentum from community efforts to reach that goal. I want to thank everyone in the community – the workplaces and individuals – that have contributed already, but our work isn’t done. We need to keep pushing forward to that goal.”
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About Youth Homelessness Initiatives
Since 2013, United Way KFL&A has received over $2 million from the Kingston Pen Tours with funds supporting the community’s collective work to prevent and end youth homelessness. For more on the impact of these funds visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/youth/
About United Way KFLA
Last year, over 53,000 people were helped locally through 64 programs at 42 agencies. United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. United Way funds programs that meet immediate needs and addresses the root causes of local issues.
Media Contacts:
Scott Harris, 2019 Campaign Chair, United Way of KFL&A
613-545-8211,
Bhavana Varma, President & CEO, United Way KFL&A
613-542-2674, ext. 1101,
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