"Imagine There's No Hunger" Campaign to Raises Awareness, Funding for WHY
Orlando, Fla., November 4, 2008 - More than just the words on the walls, Hard Rock International has remained true to its motto - "LOVEALL, SERVE ALL" - since the company's founding in 1971 by continuing its pledge to serving others. Hard Rock is proud to announce the launch of its 2008 global "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign to benefit WHY, a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty in America and around the world.
Setting the foundation for the "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign, artist and musician Yoko Ono has graciously donated her late husband John Lennon's inspirational song "Give Peace A Chance" to the SERVE3 compilation. The CD will also include rare, new or previously unreleased tracks from some of music's most influential artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, The Chapin Sisters and more. SERVE3 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com beginning November 4, 2008, with digital downloads available at iTunes.com.
"I am glad that WHY is using John's lyrics to communicate the seriousness of this issue to the world," said Yoko Ono. "Let's all work together to make a world without hunger as soon as humanly possible. We owe this battle to our children. WAR IS OVER if you want it. In brotherhood and sisterhood."
The "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign also includes a charity bracelet, as well as a limited-edition pin and holiday ornament, featuring John Lennon's famous self-portrait and signature. All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit grassroots efforts in Kenya, Haiti, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Venezuela and New Orleans.
"Hard Rock has actively supported WHY for years, raising more than $1.1 million to date," said Sean Dee, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Hard Rock International. "We are proud to continue to support a great organization that envisions a world without hunger and poverty."
Servin' Up Some Rockin' Charity . . .
Also joining in the fight against hunger and poverty, the SERVE3 CD features new, never-before-released or rare tracks by a unique blend of major multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning and acclaimed recording artists, as well as several bonus digital tracks. The songs on SERVE3 are new, classic, electric or acoustic, and reflect the generosity of the artists that donated them to the project on behalf of serving those in need.
In addition to SERVE3, beginning November 4th, Hard Rock locations around the globe will offer "Imagine There's No Hunger" merchandise, including a limited-edition bracelet, pin and holiday ornament to benefit WHY. These beneficial items will be available for a limited time only, exclusively at Hard Rock's Rock Shops and www.hardrock.com, including:
Imagine There's No Hunger Charity Bracelet - Accessorize fashionably and charitably. This red wristband is adorned with the influential message "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER." This must-have fashion item and statement also features the WHY and Hard Rock Imagine There's No Hunger Pin - This limited-edition benefit pin features John Lennon's self-portrait, signature and the word "imagine" inside a red "peace" sign, bearing the statement "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER." Hard Rock Cafe's logo dangles below Lennon's signature. All proceeds benefit WHY. ($12)
Imagine There's No Hunger Holiday Ornament - This limited-edition benefit holiday ornament features John Lennon's signature and the word "imagine" inside a silver "peace" sign, bearing the statement "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER." Hard Rock Cafe's logo dangles below Lennon's signature. All proceeds benefit WHY. ($12)
In addition to Hard Rock's Rock Shops throughout the world, the SERVE3 compilation, charity bracelet, holiday ornament and pin will also be available for sale through Hard Rock's Web site at www.hardrock.com and WHY's Web site www.WHYhunger.org beginning November 4, 2008. All songs featured on the SERVE3 CD, as well as bonus tracks, will also be available for download at major online retail stores via The Orchard's digital distribution network.
"We look forward to the continued support from Hard Rock and selfless generosity of musicians for this effort," said Bill Ayres, founder of WHY. "The incredible demonstration of talent, time, commitment and dedication to this cause will one day make our vision of a world without hunger and poverty a reality."
"We are proud to once again partner with Hard Rock and the entire WHY team to harness the power of music to fight global poverty," said Greg Scholl, President and Chief Executive of The Orchard. "It is a great privilege for us to help spread this important message to fans around the world."
About WHY
Founded in 1975, WHY is a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. WHY is convinced that solutions to hunger and poverty can be found at the grassroots level. WHY advances long-term solutions to hunger and poverty by supporting community-based organizations that empower individuals and build self-reliance, i.e., offering job training, education and after school programs; increasing access to housing and healthcare; providing microcredit and entrepreneurial opportunities; teaching people to grow their own food; and assisting small farmers. WHY connects these organizations to artists, funders, media and legislators. WHY is a not-for-profit registered 501(c)(3) organization founded by radio talk show host and present Executive Director Bill Ayres, and the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin.
About The Orchard
The Orchard is a leading supplier and marketer of digital music and video to digital retailers and mobile operators throughout the world. The Orchard controls an unparalleled catalogue of music from thousands of artists and labels, encompassing all genres, eras, and regions. With localized marketing in 27 countries serving all major music territories, The Orchard designs global sales programs that are executed by local experts, who are knowledgeable about and sensitive to each country's unique market dynamic. The Orchard functions as a true business partner with its clients by providing retail sales and marketing support, an extensive suite of online promotional programs, song placement, global royalty collection, global publishing administration, and in select cases, co-production investment capital. The Orchard also provides strategic media services to an impressive roster of digital retailers and leading consumer brands, ranging from publishing research, licensing and administration through comprehensive online and offline branding programs. The Orchard was founded in 1997 to provide independent artists and labels with broad and fair access to distribution. For more information, please visit us at www.theorchard.com.
About Hard Rock International
With 124 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and nine Hotels/Casinos in 48 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2010; and Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011. Hard Rock Park, located in Myrtle Beach, is the world's first rock ‘n' roll theme park. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.
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