ION INDIE MAGAZINE January 2016, Volume 20 | Page 27

While this grassroots charity (founded and run by
SHARON SANDERS and WENDY TONETTI) provides
relief to hundreds of families and children year
round, this time of year, the focal point, is to
provide Christmas meals, toys under the tree,
winter coats, blankets, etc., to as many needy
families as possible in the Charlotte area.
Now a well-known event in Charlotte, "Rockin' Kids
First" gets major media coverage through radio,
news and television, and seems to get bigger and
better each year--with many local companies and
businesses sponsoring it and making donations.
This year's concert lineup featured 12 of some of
the top rated bands in the Carolinas, covering a
wide variety of musical genres--from Country to 80's and 90's Classic Rock, to Modern Rock and
Alternative--providing the nonstop live entertainment. Aside from raffle items going on all night long, the
auction of donated items that went to the "highest bidder" featured everything from local business gift
certificates, to custom gift baskets, several guitars, to band and music merchandise…including all kinds of
signed music and movie memorabilia.
The highlighted item of this year's auction was a white
pearl Fender Stratocaster that was taken backstage at
this year's “Carolina Rebellion” by Gary Carota, and
signed by a virtual “who's who” in the Rock world. With
signatures like, JACOBY SHADDIX of PAPA ROACH,
RICK NEILSON of CHEAP TRICK, “The Red Rocker”
SAMMY HAGAR, MICHAEL ANTHONY of VAN HALEN,
JASON BONHAM, the late SCOT WEILAND of STONE
TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER…and members
from the bands RISE AGAINST, PERIPHERY, SONS OF
TEXAS and CHEVELLE. It was definitely the "crown
jewel". For more information on this event or the charity
“Kids First of The Carolinas”, check the links below.

Kids First of the Carolinas
P.O. Box 17028 Charlotte NC 28227
http://www.kidsfirstofthecarolinas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/kidsfirstofthecarolinas/
https://www.facebook.com/rockinkidsfirstconcert/
http://www.rockinkidsfirst.com/