News » Rock ‘n Roll for a Cause!

Foreigner

When Randy Hanson, Director of Creative Services for La Paloma Kids called and asked if Access Tucson could televise a musical performance to benefit his organization—we were interested. Access Tucson regularly provides non-profit organizations the opportunity to televise community events. Staff and volunteers collaborate to provide Tucson viewers with the chance to see some of the wonderful community service work accomplished in Tucson, to learn about the organizations and often celebrate success.

La Paloma Kids had a big event in mind…International rock legends; Foreigner in concert. We did not think for a second that international rock legends or, more likely, their agents, would allow their performance to be taped. That’s when we found out that Randy’s son is Kelly Hanson, lead singer of Foreigner.

La Paloma Kids appeared on Local Matters, Access Tucson’s long running community affairs program, to promote the event and talk about the organization: “It’s a sad statistic: most children who enter the foster care system experience at least three placements after separation from their family. Most begin this journey with only the clothes on their backs. This lack of security and permanence undermines their attempts to form healthy relationships with those few adults who are committed to providing them with support, confidence and valuable life skills.

Founded in 1980, La Paloma Family Services has provided shelter, counseling, guidance and assistance to Arizona’s at-risk children and families for more than 25 years. Through a variety of programs designed to provide the tools and support they need to meet life’s challenges, La Paloma has positively empowered thousands of Arizona’s Youth.”

Access Tucson signed up as a media partner for the concert. We were given the rock star treatment; riding in the limo with Kelly and the KLPX contest winners, touring the La Paloma Kids facility and lunching with the international rock star. What emerged was an interesting story about the band; each member has a connection to a cause and the band as a whole agrees to donate performances as benefit concerts.

The Chilli’s

Access Tucson coverage of this event includes the concert with Tucson locals The Chilli’s and Foreigner, plus behind the scenes footage with La Paloma Kids organizers. When you hear the stories about these kids and see the commitment of the La Paloma Kids staff, it’s easy to see why Foreigner donated their time and talent to this exceptionally good cause.

See it!

Cox 99
Comcast 74

Photos courtesy of Francisco Medina
Tucson Citizen

To learn about Access Tucson services for non-profit organization link to For Groups.