CONTACT ROCK FOR KIDS

Rock For Kids 314 W. Institute Chicago, IL 60610	Phone: 312.255.9454 Fax: 312.255.9452	For General Information: info@rockforkids.org
Maria Mowbray Executive Director maria@rockforkids.org	Kyle Curry Associate Director kyle@rockforkids.org	John Popke Program Director john@rockforkids.org

For press inquries e-mail info@rockforkids.org or visit our Electronic Press Kit

If you would like to volunteer, please review our volunteer policy (PDF) and then contact info@rockforkids.org.

If you would like to donate the proceeds of an event to us, please review our Event Policy (PDF)
and fill out our Event Questionnaire (PDF)

MISSION

Rock For Kids provides music education to underserved children in Chicago, sparking creativity and passion, teaching critical thinking, supporting academic achievement and enriching young lives.

VISION

Rock For Kids believes that through music education, children become creative, energized and successful members of society, while cultivating appreciation and enjoyment of the arts.

Rock For Kids recognizes that music has the power to transcend challenging situations and transform lives, and, as such, imagines a future in which all young people have access to music education as a catalyst for self-expression, motivation and stability.

VALUES

Rock For Kids believes no child's future should be compromised academically, socially or emotionally simply because of economic disparity. Therefore, we focus our programs on those least likely to have access to music education.
Rock For Kids values quality music education as a venue for creativity and skill development, by hiring trained teachers and teaching artists, who use evidence-based curricula for classes.
Rock For Kids believes it is critical that all children experience kindness, security, compassion, personal success and individual creativity, as the smallest of these may inspire the course of a life.
Rock For Kids understands that every child involved in our programs is inspired differently, creating life-long musicians, life-long music lovers or simple appreciation for the arts in general.
Rock For Kids strives to offer a supportive, safe environment—a community of musicians working, playing, and listening to create something meaningful.
Rock For Kids believes that everyone that is touched by the power of music has a responsibility to give back to it. In keeping with this ideal, we aspire to act as a bridge between the music community that supports us and the communities we serve.
Rock For Kids inspires young people to create identities for themselves that they might not have otherwise dreamt.

HISTORY

Rock For Kids was founded in 1988 as Christmas is For Kids by volunteers in Chicago's music and entertainment industry who wanted to give back to the community. Initially a grassroots effort to raise money for holiday gifts for homeless children, the charity changed its name and focus in 2000 to Rock For Kids. The founders and volunteers involved in Rock For Kids shared a love of the arts, and music in particular. In response to music budget cuts in the schools, the founders of Rock For Kids decided to change their mission to provide music education to children at risk and in need. Starting with one group of 20 students, Rock For Kids has grown to serve over 5,000 students annually.

Rock For Kids is a licensed Illinois 501(c)(3) organization. Only 11% of all income is spent on fundraising costs. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROCK FOR KIDS

Rock For Kids Electronic Press Kit

Chicago Tribune Article (December 4, 2006)

UR Chicago Article (June 2008)