Local Youth Bands Will ‘Battle’ to Raise Funds & Awareness on May 30th
By Andrea Carter
A local celebration tying into World MS Day – the 2nd Annual Rock for MS – will be hosted by Westfield Palm Desert and ACT for Multiple Sclerosis on May 30, 2018. The event will feature 7 local youth bands formed through the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP) and raise awareness and funds for ACT for Multiple Sclerosis, the Coachella Valley’s nonprofit organization providing free programs and services to those living with MS in the surrounding communities.
Rock for MS will be held at the center of the Westfield Palm Desert mall, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30. Each band will compete in a friendly competition with a panel of local celebrity commentators, similar to ‘The Voice.’ The bands include: Quest, The Country Meme, D’Tension, Jakes and the Cupcakes, Traveler, The Perfect Catastrophe, and Yzark – and all are made up of local youth from the AMP program. AMP is a non-profit organization that offers a contemporary music education to young musicians from all over the Coachella Valley.
“This event is such a fun way too raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis while celebrating World MS Day with thousands of others around the globe,” said Jennie Rayner, Executive Director for ACT for Multiple Sclerosis. “This event is a win-win for two local nonprofits, providing awareness and fundraising support for ACT for Multiple Sclerosis while offering youth bands the chance to gain more experience performing as they take part in a fun competition.”
In 2009, the MS International Federation (MSIF) and its members initiated the first World MS Day. World MS Day is officially marked on the last Wednesday of May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.
While other organizations are working toward finding a cure, ACT for Multiple Sclerosis provides a variety of services to assist in the quality of life for Coachella Valley residents living
with MS, including strength training and massage; adaptive yoga; an aquatic program; wellness education; peer support activities and electric bill assistance – as well as quarterly luncheons and a client resource center. All programs are free.
Westfield Palm Desert is located at 72-840 Highway 111 in Palm Desert. To learn more about Rock for MS, find ACT for MS on Facebook and join the “event” that has been created. For more information on ACT for Multiple Sclerosis, go to ACTforMS.org or call (760) 773-9806.
