Hard Rock, WhyHunger and Yoko Ono Lennon Invite the World to IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER

NEW YORK, November 1, 2011 -

ON 11 1 11 @ 1PM

On November 1st (11/1/11) at 1 p.m. (EDT), Yoko Ono Lennon, Hard Rock International and WhyHunger invited the world to join them as they launched IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER, a global campaign to raise awareness and funding for the fight against childhood hunger and poverty. At Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square, Yoko Ono Lennon, joined by Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International and Bill Ayres, Executive Director of WhyHunger, showed her support by providing the first “Tweet” in a Global Movement to “Imagine a World Without Hunger.” The event was also marked by a moment of silence and white balloons, a tribute to John Lennon’s release of 365 balloons during his and Yoko Ono Lennon’s first full art exhibition.

Celebrating John Lennon’s extraordinary vision articulated in his 1971 release “IMAGINE,” the campaign, which runs through December 31, 2011,  invites fans to participate by taking a moment to IMAGINE a nourished and abundant world, where “the world will live as One.”  Fans can further show their support by purchasing the campaign’s signature limited-edition bracelet, joining in the celebrations at various Hard Rock locations around the globe, tweeting, posting or even texting the word IMAGINE to 50555 to donate directly to WhyHunger.org and help feed a hungry child.

Fans are encouraged to share their IMAGINE activation via social media by sending messages, photos and videos to the official channels for the 2011 IMAGINE There’s No Hunger event: Facebook.com/HardRock or Twitter.com/HardRock. Official tweeting of event will utilize the hashtag #IMAGINE2011 and #IMAGINENOHUNGER, allowing fans to participate and track the global celebration.

Be it ONE bracelet, ONE tweet/post, or ONE thought, we can make a difference ONE child at a time to ensure that no ONE goes hungry again…remember:  “It’s easy if you try.”

Also, available in stores now, Hard Rock is offering the limited-edition 2011 IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER merchandise anchored by the campaign’s charity bracelet, featuring the powerful message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” Proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WhyHunger, a leader in building the global movement to end hunger and poverty, to benefit local grassroots partners, including the Pathfinder Academy in Kenya; the Pattanarak Foundation in Thailand; City of Joy in India and CONAMUCA in the Dominican Republic.  Each grassroots partner focuses on children living in poverty and helps teach sustainable farming and entrepreneurial skills for the future. IMAGINE merchandise will be available for a limited time only, and exclusively at Hard Rock’s Rock Shops and online.

About WhyHunger

WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin & current Executive Director Bill Ayres, WhyHunger works to put an end to hunger suffered by 49 million Americans and nearly 1 billion people worldwide. WhyHunger’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 nutrition programs & community organizations in their neighborhoods; the Grassroots Action Network, which provides information, networking opportunities, capacity building & access to over 8,000 anti-hunger & 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. For more information visit www.whyhunger.org.

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 172 venues in 51 countries, including 135 cafes and 15 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, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana.  Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced including Panama Megapolis, scheduled to open in 2011; 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.

*Text IMAGINE to 50555 to give a $10 donation to WhyHunger. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance.  All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP.  Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy

Amanda Early, +1-973-588-2000, aearly at coynepr.com