Rockin' for a Cause

VALDOSTA -- Dr. Tom Hochschild, assistant professor of sociology, and his band The Backstreet Blazers, will be hosting Rockin’ for a Cause, a fundraiser to help fight illiteracy in South Georgia, from 7 - 10:30 p.m. on Friday, October 5, at the American Legion Post 13. The American Legion is located at 1301 Williams St. (behind Bazemore-Hyder Stadium).

Working with Dr. Marty Williams and Charlie Oliver of the Literacy Volunteer Program (LVP), the band hopes to raise $6,000 for the LVP of South Georgia. The LVP provides one-to-one tutoring for functionally illiterate individuals ages 16 and older to help with practical goals such as GED completion, driver’s license examination, job application and citizenship examination.

“We believe that a community is only as strong as its weakest member,” said Hochschild. “By helping people lift themselves out of hardship, the entire community benefits.”

VSU faculty and staff, along with local business owners, are invited to purchase tickets for $20. The ticket includes an evening of delicious appetizers, good music from The Backstreet Blazers Band and one raffle ticket for a chance to win a variety of great prizes. In addition to an air-conditioned dance hall, the American Legion has a cash bar for beer and wine. Dr. James LaPlant will emcee the event.

“Although we are excited to raise funds for the LVP, we are even more excited about facilitating social connections between Valdosta State University personnel and the LVP,” said Hochschild. “We hope that professors involved in internships or service-learning consider the LVP as a collaborative partner.”

The event attire is dress-casual. Tickets may be purchased at the front door on the night of the event (cash only). Tickets can also be purchased in advance by contacting Hochschild at 229-333-5483, Williams at 229-333-7355 or Oliver at 229-333-7515.