Platinum-selling band, Sister Hazel, hosted a sold-out Lyrics for Life - An Evening of Making Music Matter event on Saturday, March 4, 2023 in the band's hometown of Gainesville, FL. Presented by Rich and Carissa Blaser, the fifth annual event raised over $675K for the non-profit charities Lyrics for Life's Camp Hazelnut and Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, as well as Stop Children's Cancer in Gainesville, FL. This special event put the charity over the four-million-dollar mark in funds raised since the inception of the charity in 2002. Over 1,200 attendees bid in a star-studded silent auction, featuring items from some of the music industry's biggest names and experienced an intimate concert by Sister Hazel with special guest Darius Rucker.
"We are so proud of this event," explains lead singer Ken Block. "Both for what it is and for what it accomplishes. We have been a part of a lot of great events during our career. But there is nothing that compares to Lyrics for Life! The evening itself is designed to take people on a journey. Lots of connection, big laughs, a few tears, intimate one of a kind storyteller musical moments, and wide-open rock shows. All in one night! It is a seriously incredible experience for a seriously great cause. I’m so honored by all the artists who participate just by donating handwritten lyrics, and of course by our old friend, Darius Rucker’s performances this year. Gainesville’s medical community, community at large, and our sponsors all step up and make this an unforgettable and impactful night. For me, there is no finer way to honor my little brother- and to support people and families navigating a cancer diagnosis. The money we are raising for these support programs, kids camp, and for research is staggering and humbling. We couldn’t be prouder and more excited about the future."
Lyrics for Life has raised over four million dollars for Children's Cancer Charities around the country including $650,000 donated to Stop Children's Cancer in the band's hometown of Gainesville, FL. They have also benefited other Cancer Charities around the country including Children's Cancer Center of Tampa and Camp Sunshine in Atlanta. More than 15,000 children under age nineteen will be diagnosed with cancer this year. While survival rates have improved, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death by disease for kids. You can learn more about Lyrics for Life here.