Rock for Hunger, a local homeless organization, lived up to its name at BackBooth on Saturday.
Twenty-four bands played on two stages with more than 900 people in attendance. The event, Rock for Hunger Fest 2, raised more than $9,000 to help alleviate poverty on the streets of Orlando.
Rock for Hunger Executive Director Chris Goyzueta said the most rewarding part was walking in and out of BackBooth, watching hundreds of people having a great time during the 10-hour benefit.
"They're supporting the cause, and they learned that their donations meant something, that they can make a difference by buying a ticket and enjoying the show."
According to the 2007 Report on Homeless Conditions in Florida, the state's homeless population was 60,168, from data taken from homeless coalitions across the state.
"At the heart of the problem of homelessness are two issues: poverty and lack of low cost housing," the report states. "Without the financial ability to make ends meet and afford an apartment or homes in the marketplace, individuals and families can face homelessness.
"The lack of housing options for persons at the lowest economic level is a critical issue to be addressed."
Fifty volunteers passed out fliers, acted as backstage security and carried signs around downtown Orlando promoting the event.
Richard Bergholtz, the father of Rock for Hunger Community and Outreach director Ben Bergholtz, said he was proud of his son's work.
"My son's a volunteer," Bergholtz said. "He told me what he was doing, and I was so proud of him I decided to come out with him. It's not always what a father can teach his son, but what his son can teach his father."
Cori Yarckin, of Cori Yarckin and the Band, one of the night's performances, said she was overjoyed to participate in Rock for Hunger Fest 2.
"This cause is awesome. Thank you Rock for Hunger for letting us be a part of it," said Yarckin, a liberal studies alumna.
"This organization has grown tremendously. I'm happy and proud to be here. A lot of people do stuff for charity but this really impacts Orlando."
Performing on the indoor stage, bands like Hydrosonic, Social Ghost and Triggerslip made an art form of screaming themselves hoarse.
"Let's fill the streets of Orlando with beautiful melodies of old," said Dave Burleson, lead singer of Poverty Branch, which performed outside.
The stage was set up against a vacant building as booths lined the perimeter with concession stands, a liquor bar and sponsor booths. The followers of the local band scene wafted about to the sounds of Baron von Bear, Band Marino, Poverty Branch, Look Mexico and Brooks Chambers. One man swayed with a lighter, and others swing danced.
"It's like hippie soft out here and hard rock inside," said Rock for Hunger Marketing Representative Greg Rollet. "We tried to even the scheduling."
Goyzueta said the most important part of the benefit was spreading awareness.
"Every time I see someone suffering in poverty - what does that say about society when you're someone that has the capability to help?" said 23-year-old Rock for Hunger treasurer Logan Lenz. Lenz is also a business major and member of Triggerslip. "Doesn't it break your heart to see someone cold out in the rain? If you're human it does."
Rock for Hunger does not view the success of the benefit concert to be a means to an end. Members said they are looking forward to expanding their capacity to aid the homeless.
"Rock for Hunger really tries to get people out of poverty and off the streets instead of just feeding them and trying to make them more comfortable," said guitarist and keyboardist Kyle Cox of Poverty Branch. "I really admire that."
Goyzueta hopes to expand Rock for Hunger's future operations.
"One day we hope to have a center where the homeless can come to us and have meals all the time and have job training," Goyzueta said, "a free, one-stop shopping [center] to help people get back on their feet."
Goyzueta said he wants to expand Rock for Hunger's after-school program in the Parramore district to occur every day and provide meals.
"It's [Rock for Hunger Fest] always a good mix, music and a cause," said audience member Ryan Kassebaum. "If you just give money to a cause, it's going to get wasted. A lot of places will throw an event in the name of something, and the money never goes to it. Rock for Hunger is going straight to the homeless."
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