Rock For Kids Toronto


Rock for Dimes and Kids events 2008

Rock for Kids 2008 was a huge success on May 7 and 8, 2008

View pictures from Wednesday's Rock For Kids event
View pictures from Thursday's Rock For Kids event

Once again, Toronto’s top business executives traded in their suits and ties for ripped jeans and guitars at the Fourth Annual Rock for Kids Toronto event. Over two nights on Wednesday, May 7and Thursday, May 8, nine bands featuring groups comprised of Toronto business professionals shook Jeff Healey’s Roadhouse to raise an estimated $50,000 for children with physical disabilities.

The bands competed for bragging rights as Toronto’s best corporate band, at the same time showcasing their talents to music industry professionals. Wednesday night saw Orange Record Label President, Aubrey Winfield and Jeff Healey Blues Band, Colin James and Amanda Marshall drummer, Al Webster on-board as judges.

On Thursday the bands played for legendary musician and producer Bob Lanois, Director of Acquisitions and Media Relations, Eric Alper of Koch Entertainment and retired Poison Tour Manager, Rob Stevenson, who was a judge for both evenings. Q107’s John “Flairboy” Garbutt and Steph Hunter handled the duties of Masters of Ceremonies for both nights.

Justin Hines, singer of top-ten hit “Wish You Well” along with his accompanist and album producer, Justin Abedin provided the pre-show entertainment both evenings.

Departure Lounge, Now and Then, The Grateful Dads and The Natural Disasters from The Weather Network did battle on Wednesday, May 7. The Natural Disasters were fronted by three familiar faces from The Weather Network. On-Camera Presenters, Nneka Elliott, Kim MacDonald and Chris Mei each made an appearance with the band during the set. However, it was Now and Then who came away with the victory in a tightly-contested night.

“We were honoured to share the stage with some great musicians for such a worthy cause,” says Jay Olesen of winning band, Now and Then. “When you put together good music, good people and a worthwhile cause, you have the recipe for a great night – Rock for Kids is the show that we look forward to performing in the most,” he continues.

Undercover, The Next Act, Unit Holder, DisOrderly Conduct and 2007 winners The Gavelheads faced off on Thursday, May 8.

The Gavelheads proved to be a dominant force as they were proclaimed the winners for the second straight year in a close contest. This was the fourth time The Gavelheads have participated in Rock for Kids.

"We're very excited and well and truly surprised to be honoured again by the judges,” says Stephen Lamont of the Gavelheads.

“We really enjoyed playing this event again, especially at its super new location at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse. As always, we're very glad to have been able to contribute in our small way to the cause at March of Dimes and to have been able to support the great work they are doing for kids. Finally, we thought the four other bands that played on Thursday night were fantastic - I was fully expecting them to finish in a four-way tie for first place,” he continues.

All funds raised benefit March of Dimes’ Conductive Education (CE) program. CE is an innovative program that blends elements of education and rehabilitation to improve the independence, mobility and confidence of children with disabilities, and has been especially beneficial to children with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and developmental apraxia.

“The true essence of CE is watching a child enter the classroom with absolutely no concept of their bodies or for that matter, confidence in themselves as individuals in society,” says Devon Stoyka, a CE participant. “Throughout my participation in CE I have seen many such children enter our classrooms and I have seen them come out of their insecure bubbles and grow into confident and capable young people.”

The event was sponsored by: Q107, Aon Reed Stenhouse, Otto Bock, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Fraser Milner Casgrain, Ogilvy Renault, Power Workers Union, Durham Regional Police Association. Pizza Pizza, Speaker’s Forum, Chalet Studios,The Weather Network - Pelmorex Broadcast Sales, B.B. Authenticated and System 4 Productions, Inc. who handled the photography.

“We just love the excitement of this event,” says Mary Lynne Stewart, Director of Fund Development and Communication at March of Dimes. “These were the fifth and sixth Rock for Kids in Toronto and we have been able to continue the challenge across Canada – with our next stop in Calgary,” she continues. “It is great to know we are fulfilling rock star dreams at the same time helping families living with disabilities across the country.”

Make Sure to visit the March of Dimes Facebook page.
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