By Heather Palmer
The intersection of 750 North and 800 East in Provo will be the stage of Rock the Block on Saturday, Apr. 8, 2006 – a stage on wheels, that is.
DJs and local bands Chili Davis and The Otters will rock through the night on an 18-wheeler, flatbed semi-truck for the biannual event put on by a group of BYU and UVSC friends. The party will include giveaways, raffles and a global cause, the Wheelchair Foundation, with a goal of raising $21,000 for wheelchairs.
Rock the Block has been increasing in numbers as well as charitable donations since its beginning in Spring 2005. With the help of many students, the party raised more than $4,000 to help with Hurricane Katrina relief aid last semester. The Rock the Block crew aims to take their “biggest party in Provo” idea to a lasting charity cause that can become a tradition of good times and service for Provo college students.
Wheelchair Foundation advocate Jordan Wheeler approached Eric Chambers, chief coordinator of Rock the Block, with the idea to raise money for the cause.
“Rock the Block wasn”t planning on putting on an event this semester, but we couldn”t turn down the opportunity to help out a good cause,” Chambers said.
The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization that delivers wheelchairs to those who need but can”t afford them.
The goal of Rock the Block is to get 288 wheelchairs, which each cost roughly $150, to Peru. In Peru, only a small percentage of those who need wheelchairs have them, which forces those with disabilities to depend on family and friends to get around.
“We”ll be able to give the gift of mobility, especially to children who would otherwise have spent the rest of their lives in their bed[s],” Chambers said.
The night will be rockin” for wheels with completely donated time and talent. All the sound equipment, lights, stage, bands and DJ talent are donated.
The whole intersection of 750 North and 800 East will be blocked off for the dance party, with twinkle lights strung from apartment balconies across the block to heighten and lighten the outdoor ambiance for the people on the street to dance to the beat.
The bands, Chili Davis and The Otters, hope to set the tone of the night with their energy and experience. Chili Davis is a returning band to Rock the Block and is flying in from California to help with the cause.
“We like to help people because we are all disabled in a way,” said Kyle Blodgett, a member of The Otters. “The Wheelchair Foundation is a great, tangible cause and we are excited to help.”
DJ Kendall, with 11 years of experience, and his partner, DJ Fuj, will finish out the night on the energy the bands hope to bring to an expected crowd of more than 3,000.
Throughout the night there will be a silent auction and raffle. The proceeds of Rock the Block T-shirts will go entirely toward the cause, and companies and families are encouraged to donate.
“Listen to your heart and give what you can. Every little bit counts and makes a difference,” said Matthew Montague, director of community relations for The Wheelchair Foundation.
Rock the Block begins at 8 p.m. The bands will play from 8-9:30 p.m. To donate or for more information on the charity concert contact Eric Chambers at or call (801) 372-1870.
