GET HAPPY. AN EVENING WITH CHRIS HAWKEY
BENEFITTING SAVE AND HARD ROCK HEALS
Friday, Nov. 17 at Hard Rock Cafe Mall of America
Bloomington, Minn. (Updated Nov. 3, 2017) --- On Friday, Nov. 17, Hard Rock Cafe Mall of America will host a “rocking” awareness and fundraising event featuring entertainment by popular singer/songwriter Chris Hawkey. Hawkey, who is also the producer for the KFAN Power Trip Morning Show and host on the Vikings Entertainment Network, is donating his time and talent for the event to help get the message out about suicide prevention.
The motivation for the event was stirred by Chris Hawkey’s recent single, “Happy.” Inspired by the untimely passing of musical artists Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington, Hawkey co-wrote and recorded the song about his own struggles.
“An acquaintance of mine mentioned that he didn't understand how someone who was rich and famous could be depressed,” says Hawkey. “I thought to myself, ‘This person doesn't understand depression.’ So, I sat down and wrote the song ‘Happy’ to some music that (co-writer) Matt Everson had given me earlier.”
“It took a total of 17 minutes to write,” Hawkey continues. “It came out of me like a sigh. It is not a plea for help. It is an explanation. I have suffered from depression for most of my life. I don't know why. I'm an extremely fortunate man. But there are days that the darkness finds me just as it did Mr. Cornell and Mr. Bennington. Sadly, they were no longer able to fight for their sunshine. I hope that this song finds its way to people who need to hear it.”
Proceeds will benefit both SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education and Hard Rock Heals.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 17, 2017
6 p.m. Doors open
6 –7:30 p.m. Silent Auction
7 p.m. Performance by Alex Kiel
7:30 p.m. Announcements by SAVE representatives
9 – 9:30 p.m. Chris Hawkey performance
WHERE: Hard Rock Café Mall of America
Located off Nickelodeon Universe, south entrance
TICKETS: General admission is free, but donations for the charities will gladly be accepted at the door.
VIP tickets are sold out.
About SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and the 2nd leading cause of death among 15-34 year olds in Minnesota. SAVE is the leading agency and only national nonprofit suicide prevention organization headquartered in Minnesota working to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reducing stigma associated with mental illness, and serving as a resource to those touched by suicide. SAVE.org.
About Hard Rock Heals Foundation
The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Music is energy; it stirs emotion, inspires, connects and restores. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation exists to improve lives through the power of music. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has brought people together through the power of music. We have developed partnerships with artists ranging from emerging to iconic in support of charitable efforts around the world. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to individuals whose goal is to heal through the power of music. Partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations allow Hard Rock Heals Foundation the opportunity to improve lives and promote wellness. For more information, visit hardrockheals.com.
Hard Rock International
With venues in 73 countries, including 178 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. 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. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Phnom Penh, Cairo, Wroclaw and Chengdu. New Hard Rock hotel, casino or hotel-casino projects include Atlanta, Atlantic City, Berlin, Budapest, London, Los Cabos, Maldives, New York City, Davos, Ottawa, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit hardrock.com