Fundraising Events

Roca’s 4th Annual Benefit Concert

Roca Does It Again!!

Roca’s 4^th Annual Benefit Concert raises over $110,000 to Help Massachusetts’
High Risk Youn People Move out of Violence and Poverty

R&B singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and philanthropist, Mario Barrett; Latin Grammy award winning Bachata Group, Carlos y Alejandra; Local artists Lisa Bello, The Goonies and Moufy; and host of "The Ramiro and Pebbles Morning Show" on Jam'n 94.5 Ramiro Torres, deliver stupendous performance

 

December 15, 2011 (Chelsea, MA) – Roca’s VIP Reception and SOLD OUT Concert- sponsored by TD Bank and TD Insurance- was centered around making and creating change.  Change is a key aspect of Roca’s work, demonstratedby helping young people address hard issues in their lives to engaging community partners in difficult discussions.

This year, Roca raised awareness around youth violence as they honored the musical talents of Roca participants and brought together local and well known international artists. Among the celebrity talent was Mario Barrett; R&B singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and philanthropist, and Carlos y Alejandra, a Latin Award winning Bachata Group. The event was hosted by Clear Channel’s Jam’n 94.5 FM morning show host Ramiro Torres. Roca’s Benefit Concert and VIP Event combined excellent music and a call to action to support the young people lost to the streets and poverty every day. Roca’s Annual Benefit Concerts have served as an effective way of advancing the important work of Roca, and promoting the mission to over 40,000 people through media exposure and outreach. Also on the musical bill were “major” local artists Lisa Bello, Moufy, and The Goonies. They captivated the audience with their music, powerful energy, and message about change.

Roca, nationally known for its success of moving high-risk young people out of violence and poverty, has proven that with the right intervention, behaviors can be changed.

“Losing my big brother is a feeling that I can’t quite explain. There are no words to ever describe a family tragedy like this… senseless crime is not needed in our community. We have to figure out another way to live and Roca helps me practice this every day,” Appleberry said while speaking at Roca’s VIP Reception. Singer Mario added, “I respect all those that are trying to change over and over because it means there is determination and hope; even in the young people we tend to forget, Roca is letting us know that change is possible.” Mario spoke about his own personal struggles with seeing his mother and family battle drug addictions and stated; “I never gave up because everyone else did, and I am grateful there’s a place like Roca that can do this for so many young people”.

The concert was designed to be an evening that would pair excellent music with a call to action, to give young people living in violence and poverty a second chance. Currently, Roca works rigorously with 765 young people each year and provides less intensive services to an additional 250 youth. The majority of this demographic are in gangs, living on the streets, in and out of prison, have dropped out of school or are about to do so. In its 24-year history, Roca has helped more than 30,000 young people change their lives.

For more information about Roca and how you can get involved, please log onto www.rocainc.org.