Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK musical youth
ROCK U2 FOUNDATION
Mississippi is known for many things, but one of
its stand-out qualities is
its culture. “Mississippi has a proud musical history as the home of blues,” said Tim Alamsha, president and founder of the Rock U 2 Foundation. “The music and musicians from our state have changed the face of every type of music.”
Alamsha’s passion for music fueled his career in entertainment, ultimately leading him to positions managing entertainment for companies including the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios and Station Casinos.
The Alamashas had seen how funding was being cut from public schools’ music programs and wanted to do their part to ensure that every
child in South Mississippi could have the opportunity to experience music. As a result, the Rock U 2 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded
in 2011 to provide scholarships for musical instruments, music lessons, interactive music programs and resources to under-served or special needs children in Harrison and Jackson counties.
“The resources provided by the
Rock U 2 Foundation have many benefits, ranging from improvement
in communication skills, self-esteem, creative thinking, imagination, self- discipline and study skills, all while learning how to work as a member of a team,” said Alamsha.
“For the last three years, the IP has sponsored our largest annual
fundraiser called, Rock the Block,” Alamsha said. “The funds raised from this event go towards providing scholarships for musical instruments, music lessons and interactive music programs to children who otherwise couldn’t afford them.”
The event includes an evening of musical entertainment, featuring headline entertainment and special performances by ROCK U 2 musicians throughout the evening.
Rock U 2, Ocean Springs Academy of Popular Music, Rock U 2 Foundation 624 Jackson Ave.,
Ocean Springs MS 228.355.2025 www.rocku2oceansprings.com
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Rock U2 Foundation
74 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
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