by Eileen Di Rocco from GamingToday.com:
Next Tuesday, May 20, there will be a Rockin’ for Downs charity concert to raise awareness for Down syndrome at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. One hundred percent of all proceeds will be donated to The Up Side of Downs organization.
We realize that is a long way from Vegas and our usual Around Town beat, but we have a special interest in this concert as it is happening due to the hard work and dedication of our great-niece Maisie Hanley, a sophomore at Shaker Heights High School.
Things have changed since we were a sophomore. Back then a simple bake sale or car wash would have sufficed. However, Maisie is participating in the International Baccalaureate program at the school and is one of a select number of students asked to complete a project combining academic success with issues in the community and their own personal passion. That requires more than a few homemade cookies.
And so, Maisie decided to organize this concert. She persuaded the Rock Hall to donate their venue, scoured the surrounding area for suitable family-friendly entertainment, asking them to perform free of charge, and put together a publicity campaign. There will also be a silent auction. (To say we are proud of her is an understatement. Our buttons are busting!)