News

Hard Rock International Announces the “Imagine There’s No Hunger” Campaign to Raise Awareness and Funding for WHY in its Fight Against Hunger and Poverty

Campaign Features SERVE3 – A Limited-Edition Benefit CD with Tracks from John Lennon, My Morning Jacket, Bruce Springsteen, Joss Stone, and More

Hard Rock International and WHY Partner with The Orchard for Digital Distribution of SERVE3

Orlando, Fla. – More than just the words on the walls, Hard Rock International has remained true to its motto – “LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL” – since the company’s founding in 1971 by continuing its pledge to serving others.  Hard Rock is proud to announce the launch of its 2008 global “Imagine There’s No Hunger” campaign to benefit WHY, a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty in America and around the world.

Setting the foundation for the “Imagine There’s No Hunger” campaign, artist and musician Yoko Ono has graciously donated her late husband John Lennon’s inspirational song “Give Peace A Chance” to the SERVE3 compilation.  The CD will also include rare, new or previously unreleased tracks from some of music’s most influential artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Joss Stone, Avril Lavigne, Starsailor, My Morning Jacket and more.  SERVE3 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com beginning November 4, 2008, with digital downloads available at iTunes.com.  

“I am glad that WHY is using John's lyrics to communicate the seriousness of this issue to the world,” said Yoko Ono.  “Let's all work together to make a world without hunger as soon as humanly possible.  We owe this battle to our children. WAR IS OVER if you want it.  In brotherhood and sisterhood.”

The “Imagine There’s No Hunger” campaign also includes a charity bracelet, as well as a limited-edition pin and holiday ornament, featuring John Lennon’s famous self-portrait and signature.  All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit grassroots efforts in Kenya, Haiti, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Venezuela and New Orleans. 

“Hard Rock has actively supported WHY for years, raising significant funds and awareness,” said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International, and Global Ambassador for WHY.  “We are proud to continue to support a great organization that envisions a world without hunger and poverty.”

Servin’ Up Some Rockin’ Charity . . .
Also joining in the fight against hunger and poverty, the SERVE3 CD features new, never-before-released or rare tracks by a unique blend of major multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning and acclaimed recording artists, as well as several bonus digital tracks. The songs on SERVE3 are new, classic, electric or acoustic, and reflect the generosity of the artists that donated them to the project on behalf of serving those in need.

SERVE3: Physical Album (also available digitally):
 

SERVE3: Digital Bonus Tracks:
 

In addition to SERVE3, beginning November 4th, Hard Rock locations around the globe will offer “Imagine There’s No Hunger” merchandise, including a limited-edition bracelet, pin and holiday ornament  to benefit WHY.  These beneficial items will be available for a limited time only, exclusively at Hard Rock’s Rock Shops and www.hardrock.com, including:

• Imagine There’s No Hunger Charity Bracelet – Accessorize fashionably and charitably.  This red wristband is adorned with the influential message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.”  This must-have fashion item and statement also features the WHY and Hard Rock International logos.  All proceeds benefit WHY and seven grassroots partners around the globe. ($1)
• Imagine There’s No Hunger Pin – This limited-edition benefit pin features John Lennon’s self-portrait, signature and the word “imagine” inside a red “peace” sign, bearing the statement “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.”  Hard Rock Cafe’s logo dangles below Lennon’s signature.  All proceeds benefit WHY.  ($12)
• Imagine There’s No Hunger Holiday Ornament – This limited-edition benefit holiday ornament features John Lennon’s signature and the word “imagine” inside a silver “peace” sign, bearing the statement “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.”  Hard Rock Cafe’s logo dangles below Lennon’s signature.  All proceeds benefit WHY. ($12)

In addition to Hard Rock’s Rock Shops throughout the world, the SERVE3 compilation, charity bracelet, holiday ornament and pin will also be available for sale through Hard Rock’s Web site at www.hardrock.com beginning November 4, 2008.  All songs featured on the SERVE3 CD, as well as bonus tracks, will also be available for download at hundreds of major online retail stores and mobile carriers worldwide via The Orchard’s digital distribution network.

“We look forward to the continued support from Hard Rock and selfless generosity of musicians for this effort,” said Bill Ayres, founder of WHY.  “The incredible demonstration of talent, time, commitment and dedication to this cause will one day make our vision of a world without hunger and poverty a reality.”

“It is a great privilege to apply The Orchard’s marketing machine to help feed and clothe those in need," said Greg Scholl, President and Chief Executive of The Orchard. "We are proud to once again support our partners Hard Rock and the entire WHY team to help people in need through the power of music.”