WOODSTOCK – Classic Rock 103.9 The Hawk helped raise more than $180,000 for London-area charity, Bethany’s Hope Foundation last week with the third annual music festival Hawk Rocks.
The three-day classic rock festival, which ran from July 20 to 22, drew almost 30,000 people, despite rainy weather. The lineup of classic rock artists included headliners Peter Frampton, SYTX and Alice Cooper.
It’s the largest fundraising event for Leukodystrophy research in the world.
The Hawk has raised $425,000 over the past three years for Bethany’s Hope Foundation, a local foundation which funds research for Metachromativ Leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare inherited brain disease affecting about one in 60,000 people. Named for seven-year-old Bethany McIntyre who lost her battle with MLD, the foundation reaches out to the southwestern Ontario community to aid in their search for better treatment and ultimately, a cure.
“We were extremely pleased with the incredible turnout and support from the local community,” said Michelle Dyer, the Corus Radio station’s program director. “It is truly rewarding to be able to collaborate with other area partners and engage the community, providing an entertaining and valuable experience to our listeners, while benefiting such an incredible foundation.”
Other classic rock acts included Eddie Money, Loverboy, April Wine, Kim Mitchell, Quiet Riot, Vince Neil and others.
“There are no words that I can think of to express our gratitude to our wonderful partners at The Hawk,” said Dave McIntyre, president of Bethany’s Hope Foundation. “We are providing real hope for the families who struggle each day with the devastation of Leukodystrophy. The $180,000 raised this year represents an entire year of funding for our medical team here in London. This may very well allow us to add another scientist to this race against the clock.”
