February 14, 2011—-
On Friday Jan. 21, Cerritos High School’s Antidote International held its 6th Annual Rock for Relief in the Brewer Theater from 6:30 to 9:40 p.m. in order to raise funds and promote awareness of landmines.
Antidote International focused this year’s Rock for Relief theme on the causes and effects of landmines.
Tickets selling for $7 and $10 at the door, with approximately 300 students attending, more than $2000 made from the ticket funds were donated to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) organization.
In order to incorporate the use of lively music with the awareness event, Antidote International invited artists to perform for the student body.
The band Obsolet3, consisting of Jonathan Reyes, Sean Hoang, Alexa Beebe, Michael Maughan, and Nicholas Hanna, started the show with a musical vibe. Performers also included YouTube stars: Alex Salazar and drummer Vincent Wang, Chris Pham from Seriously, and Mike Isberto.
Finally, Andrew Garcia, best known as placing 9th place in American Idol, stirred up the crowd with his performance and ended this year’s Rock for Relief with a comical and musical touch.
“It was really successful and everyone enjoyed the performances. The crowd was never quiet,” said Sophomore Rebecca Song. “I think Antidote International is a great club that does a lot to help world problems. They did a good job setting up Rock for Relief. It’s one of the best events of the year.”
Throughout the concert, Antidote officers went on stage to present different topics regarding landmines. Officers Sonia Sharma and Irene Hwang presented the audience with general information about landmines. Then, officers Kayli Nishime and Yuna Song set up activities which related to the affects of landmines. They showed the students how difficult it was to lead everyday lives with the loss of a limb due to the explosions of landmines. Officers Maryanne Choi and Nita Kim provided the student body with more information about this year’s organization, ICBL. Lastly, Ro and officer Joseph Chan presented different ways on how the students could take action.
In order to prepare for a successful Rock for Relief the Antidote International officers met up since summer to write the script, contact bands, and gather sponsors.
“[The officers] did an awesome job running the event and made it easy for me to sit back and supervise,” said Mr. Hind, Antidote advisor. “I thought all the performances were wonderful and I’m glad that so many Cerritos High students came out to support the cause.”
