Rock Can Roll
Outside of a supermarket, or on a city corner, a man repeats a persuasive sentence, desperately trying to draw interest towards whatever he has to offer. Perhaps he says he is raising money for cancer, or for an animal shelter, or maybe he plainly begs for cash. He paces back and forth, continuously repeating his prepared sentence, as people obliviously walk past him. Are these people truly oblivious or are they simply uninterested in what he asks of them? People who do not stop to give this man the time of day are most likely skeptical to provide a stranger with their hard earned money. Understandably, the “beggar†becomes invisible, as does the cause he is promoting. While many people who loiter about, asking for money, are not people to trust, the tables turn when a kind hearted citizen is the one begging for another’s attention.
From the standpoint of the kind hearted citizen, “Rock Can Roll†is an organization founded by a woman on a mission. After contributing to a hurricane relief effort, Aimee Holtzman was astonished and amazed at how much she had accomplished. The initial “few boxes†of supplies she had planned to send to Honduras, grew into a giant amount of materials which were needed. Holtzman was able to involve various other people in this cause; together accomplishing a miraculous achievement. From that inspirational event, Aimee created “Rock Can Rollâ€, an organization with the sole purpose of collecting food and money donations to be distributed all across Long Island. “Hunger lives among us and does not discriminate. It is here and now†Holtzman says. Aimee also strives to express that hunger can be found anywhere, as it is not easily sighted. One may never be quite sure who hunger will seek out.
Aimee, along with volunteers of “Rock Can Rollâ€, can typically be found outside of Northfork Theater at Westbury, a popular venue for rock musicians. A colorful array of canned foods, fliers, and the ever appealing donation jar filled with cash, are set up in front of the theater prior to every rock concert. As fans of the various musicians stroll, or rush (depending on how early or late some arrive) to the door, they encounter the opportunity to help the hungry of Long Island.
“Rock Can Roll†takes on the role of the kind hearted citizen when trying to interest die-hard rock fans in a charitable cause. Volunteers approach concert goers, kindly asking them for any form of contribution. Not only is this a tiresome process, but many music fans remain skeptical towards “Rock Can Roll’s†cause. One may believe that the crowds attending such concerts are simply uninterested in anything other than the show. Sometimes, this is a valid point. It is sad to see how many concert goers are purely uninterested in helping anyone but themselves. Upon hearing comments such as “Yeah! I’m hungry! You can make a donation to me!â€, when asking for a contribution, volunteers grow entirely discouraged. Fliers crumpled and thrown onto the ground can also be heart shattering.
Nevertheless, it is important to realize that not all people act with a lack of care for the hungry on Long Island. To imply that all concert goers are uninterested and selfish is completely deceiving. While many music fans do behave in such a manner, it only proves the perseverance and achievements of “Rock Can Roll†and Aimee Holtzman to be even more admirable. The organization is glad to raise awareness, never allowing discouragement to hinder its motivation. Despite those who are not generous, many people do contribute a great amount. Hundreds of people are in awe of the issue “Rock Can Roll†addresses, eager to help and become involved. Some even nonchalantly slip hundred dollar bills into the collection jar, while others kindly donate a smaller amount. These contributions are true examples of kind hearted people on Long Island. Their actions prove that people such as Aimee Holtzman and her volunteers are making a difference in the world.
Aimee refers to her musical passion in saying that “John Lennon taught us to imagineâ€. Aimee’s imagination and motivational spirits are inspirational and proof that with hard work comes reward. Her volunteers look to her as a role model, making change where it is needed. The effects of “Rock Can Roll†on society are immense and life changing for many needy people.
