Our Night at Evanston Rocks
On October 11, Byline was honored and proud to join with local civic leaders and business owners to support Giving Rocks Unplugged ’19 as a sponsor of the annual event. The evening, which was a signature benefit for the Giving Rocks Foundation, featured a host of top musical acts that virtually lifted the roof off of the aptly named Evanston Rocks to support pediatric cancer research.
Giving Rocks began as a project to help defy the odds. In 2007, 10-year-old Wilmette resident Sydney Martin was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) a rare cancer which begins as a blood disease. After learning that LCH received little funding and as a result could support even less research to find a cure, Syd decided to take matters into her own hands.
An avid lake-rock collector, Syd began selling the bracelets she created from rocks she gathered by the shore of Lake Michigan in order to raise money for research herself. Thankfully, Syd recovered from LCH, but by then Giving Rocks had grown into a successful charitable foundation dedicated to continuing to raise funds for LCH. Today, the Foundation donates 100% of its proceeds to LCH research, with the belief that every rock can lead to a cure.
This year Giving Rocks Unplugged featured not only its signature delicious homemade Italian food and drinks, but also a sterling musical lineup including ROLLOVER, Ali May Angel, Mark Wehner, SNK and Saige Chaseley.
In 12 years, the Foundation has raised almost a million dollars through merchandise sales, participation in events such as Lollapalooza and Wanderlust, and using their branded rock necklaces to build excitement, educate communities and raise funds to find a cure for LCH and pediatric cancer. LCH impacts 1 in 200,000 children, primarily under the age of 10. Thanks to the Giving Rocks Foundation and the dedication of Syd Martin and her family, through events like Giving Rocks Unplugged, perhaps one day that number will only be a fossilized figure, itself.
We understand their commitment and approve of their mission. Byline has been proud to be a trusted partner in the Chicagoland neighborhoods that we’ve called home for over 100 years. We are honored to serve where our patrons also live, work and play right alongside us. We know that it’s in all our best interests to keep our unique and varied communities thriving. We wouldn’t have it any other way: we’re just where we want to be.
To find out how Byline could support your event, contact us.
