Hard Rock International Announces IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Campaign to Raise Awareness and Funding for WHY in its Fight Against Hunger and Poverty

By Prne, Gaea News Network
Sunday, November 8, 2009

ORLANDO, Florida -

- Campaign Features SERVE4 - A Limited-Edition Digital Album of Previously Unreleased & Rare Tracks from O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Brett Dennen, Eric Hutchinson and More

In 1971, John Lennon expressed his vision of hope, peace and a world free of poverty through his powerful song “Imagine”. Decades later, his lyrics continue to influence and inspire. Lennon’s mission lives on as his wife, artist and musician Yoko Ono Lennon has joined Hard Rock International for IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER, a global campaign to benefit WHY - a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty around the world. Dedicated to its LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL motto, 100% of net proceeds from Hard Rock’s campaign will directly benefit WHY and its grassroots partners around the globe, that have developed ways to feed children worldwide who are victims of poverty and also teach them farming and entrepreneurial skills for the future.

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091109/NY03461 )

Setting the foundation for the 2009 IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign, Hard Rock has partnered with several top musicians and bands, including Campaign Ambassadors O.A.R., who donated a live track of “Lay Down” to the SERVE4 digital album, a project dedicated to serving those in need. Following John Lennon’s lead track “Gimme Some Truth,” donated by Yoko Ono Lennon, SERVE4 will also feature versions of rare, live or previously unreleased tracks from some of music’s most influential artists, including O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Eric Hutchinson, Brett Dennen and more. SERVE4 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com beginning November 9, 2009, with digital downloads available at iTunes and Amazon.

“This is a beautiful step towards world peace. By imagining there’s no hunger, like what John sang in his song, we express our strong desire to bring a world in which children will never again suffer from hunger or poverty. Let’s come together and help spread this message around the world,” said Yoko Ono Lennon. “John would have loved the fact that so many illustrious and good meaning partners and organizations have stood up to make this effort together.”

Hard Rocks’ IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign also includes a charity bracelet and a limited-edition pin, featuring the powerful message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” 100% of net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit local charities, including the Common Ground Program and Pathfinder Academy both located in Kenya; the Pattanarak Foundation located in Thailand; City of Joy located in India; Yele Haiti located in Haiti; Hope North located in Uganda; Roots and Shoots located in China; Project Bona Fide located in Nicaragua and Sentabale located in Lesotho.

“Hard Rock has been a longtime supporter of WHY, and I’ve seen firsthand how the organization helps to make a difference around the world,” said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International, and Global Ambassador for WHY. “We are proud to continue to support WHY’s life-saving efforts, in hopes that one day, we will have a world without hunger and poverty.”

Servin’ Up Some Rockin’ Charity . . .

Following John Lennon’s lead track “Gimme Some Truth,” the SERVE4 digital album also features live versions of never-before-released or rare tracks by a unique blend of major multi-platinum, award-winning and acclaimed recording artists. The songs on SERVE4 reflect the generosity of the artists that donated them to the project on behalf of serving those in need. All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. (US$12 or .99Cent per track at online retailers)

SERVE4: Artist Track Title John Lennon “Gimme Some Truth” O.A.R. “Lay Down” Brandi Carlile “If There Was No You” Starsailor “Listen Up” Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint “The River In Reverse” Earth, Wind & Fire / Chicago “You” Eric Hutchinson “OK, It’s Alright With Me” The Low Anthem “Home I’ll Never Be” Arno Carstens “Heartbreak Monday” Brett Dennen “Heaven” Toby Lightman “One Day” moe. “Wicked Awesome” The Raveonettes “Oh I Buried You Today” Uncle Kracker “Smile”

*See SERVE4 “Tracks Facts” for complete details on each song.

In addition to SERVE4, beginning November 9th, Hard Rock locations around the globe will offer IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER merchandise, including a limited-edition bracelet and pin to benefit WHY. These beneficial items will be available for a limited time only, exclusively at Hard Rock’s Rock Shops and www.hardrock.com, including:

- IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Charity Bracelet - Accessorize fashionably and charitably. This wristband is adorned with the influential message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER” and John Lennon’s self-portrait. Available in red, this must-have item also features the WHY and Hard Rock International logos. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. (US$1 or more donation in cafe)

- IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Pin - This limited-edition benefit pin features John Lennon’s portrait, a peace sign and Hard Rock’s logo inside the frames of the musician’s world-famous wire eyeglasses, and surrounded by the statement “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” This intricate design sits atop Lennon’s signature. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY. (US$12, available in Rock Shop)

In addition to Hard Rock’s Rock Shops throughout the world, the SERVE4 digital album, charity bracelet and pin will also be available for sale through Hard Rock’s Web site at www.hardrock.com beginning November 9, 2009. All songs featured on SERVE4 will also be available for download at major online retail stores and mobile carriers worldwide via The Orchard’s digital distribution network.

“WHY’s partnership with Yoko Ono Lennon and Hard Rock International, along with a growing number of artists, is a dynamic part of our global commitment to fighting hunger and poverty by empowering young people with the skills to grow food that feeds themselves and their communities,” said Bill Ayres, founder of WHY. “By working together, we will not only imagine a world without hunger - we will one day achieve it.”

For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com.

About WHY

WHY (World Hunger Year, Inc.) is dedicated to fighting the root causes of hunger and poverty by supporting grassroots organizations that create self-reliance, economic justice and equal access to nutritious and affordable food. Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and current Executive Director Bill Ayres, WHY works to put an end to hunger suffered by 36.2 million Americans and nearly 1 billion people worldwide.

WHY’s main programs include the National Hunger Hotline 1-866-3-HUNGRY, which refers individuals in need of emergency food assistance to soup kitchens, food banks, government programs and community organizations in their neighborhoods; the Grassroots Action Network, which provides information, networking opportunities, capacity building and access to over 8,000 anti-hunger and poverty community organizations across the United States and around the world; and Artists Against Hunger & Poverty which is supported by Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Joss Stone, Darryl McDaniels, Jackson Browne, O.A.R., and many others. www.whyhunger.org.

About The Orchard(R)

The Orchard controls and globally distributes more than 1.3 million songs and over 5,000 video titles through hundreds of digital stores (e.g. iTunes, eMusic, Google, Netflix, V CAST) and mobile carriers (e.g. Verizon Wireless, Vodafone, Bell Canada, 3). With operations in 27 countries, The Orchard drives sales for its label, retailer, brand, and agency clients through innovative marketing and promotional campaigns; brand entertainment programs; and film, advertising, gaming and television licensing. A pioneer in digital music and media services, The Orchard fosters creativity and independence.

The Orchard is a registered trademark and The Orchard logo is a service mark of Orchard Enterprises NY, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 157 venues in 53 countries, including 127 cafes and 12 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world’s most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau and Penang. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in; Singapore and Punta Cana, scheduled to open in 2010; Atlanta and Panama, both scheduled to open in 2012; and Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

Source: Hard Rock International

Brian Siemienas, Hard Rock International, +1-407-445-7625; or Meredith DeSanti, Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665; or Lisa Batitto, WHY, +1-212-629-8550

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