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‘Rock the Town for Hearing’ to raise funds for children with hearing loss

The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources is hosting a night of music, community, and mission at “Rock the Town for Hearing,” its annual fundraising concert to benefit deaf and hard-of-hearing children and young adults. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the iO Theater Lincoln Park, located at 1501 N. Kingsbury, Chicago.

Since 1958, the foundation has worked to improve outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children in Illinois by providing programming in education, music, advocacy, and community outreach.

Through its annual “Rock the Town for Hearing” event, it gathers the community to raise critical funds to sustain these programs and keep them free for the children and families who use them.

Spotlight on Sally Blandon

This year’s headliner is Sally Blandon, who bridges the worlds of music and early childhood education. By day, she serves as program director and lead educator for the foundation’s Music to My Ears program, introducing deaf and hard of hearing children to music and rhythm in enriching, developmentally appropriate ways.

By night, she is the lead vocalist of Tears Dry on Their Own, Chicago’s acclaimed Amy Winehouse tribute band. Blandon’s dual role as educator and performer makes her an inspiring centerpiece for a benefit event that merges artistry with advocacy.

An evening to remember

Guests can expect a night featuring live music, a gourmet spread from iO Events, and a three-hour open bar. The dress code is “smart and stylish — think a night out in the city.”

The foundation is committed to inclusion: ASL interpretation will be provided throughout the evening, and additional accommodations are available upon request.

All proceeds from Rock the Town for Hearing directly support the foundation’s free programs for deaf and hard of hearing children, including:

• Music enrichment programs (building music appreciation, self-confidence and communication skills). They partner with music schools in Chicago, Crystal Lake, Downers Grove, Glenview, Wheaton, and other locations.

• Clinical outreach (raising vital funds for loaner hearing aid programs which provide access to hearing technology)

• Parent advocacy training

• Early literacy programs for caregivers and professionals

• Community-building events that reduce isolation and create supportive community for children and families

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets

Businesses and individuals can partner at several levels, from “Headliner” (naming rights, stage presence, VIP table) to “Roadie” level sponsorships. A la carte sponsorship options — including sponsoring the ASL interpreter — are also available. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available now via FHSR.org/rock-the-town.

The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources is a Chicago-based nonprofit, established in 1958, that provides free education, music programming, clinical outreach, advocacy, and community support to children and families living with hearing loss. Its mission is to empower children who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate, connect, and thrive.