Monmouth University’s student-run communication groups 88.9 WMCX-FM and Hawk TV will host “Rock ‘N Relief” on September 27, 1 to 4 p.m., on the lawn in front of the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Center.
“Rock ‘N Relief” is a live simulcast featuring acoustic musical performances and updates on the condition of the local areas impacted by Superstorm Sandy. This event will boost awareness and raise funds to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Monmouth County in partnership with the 2013 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. This project, promoted by Monmouth University’s PRSSA chapter, will be part of a weeklong event beginning October 7.
Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown will join the special guest lineup and will be interviewed by student hosts during the simulcast. Members of the Monmouth University music alliance will also perform throughout the day.
Katie Meyer, station manager and executive producer for this event, said “Rock ‘N Relief” will not only raise awareness about the lasting damage at Union Beach, but will also create unity in Hawk TV and reinforce the community on campus.
“We try to do a larger production prior to Homecoming so that students in the organization(s) can have an opportunity to experience that level of preparation, performance, stress, and teamwork before our huge live tailgate event,” said Donna Dolphin, associate professor of communication and co-advisor of Hawk TV.
Both Dolphin and Meyer agree that spreading awareness about the need for more relief efforts in New Jersey since Hurricane Sandy is something they both personally support. Dolphin’s town flooded after the storm, and she currently houses a few relatives that remain homeless, while Meyer’s home was recently completely repaired this summer after a tree fell on it.
“It means a lot to me that we’re raising awareness about Sandy relief efforts because my neighborhood was hit hard by Sandy,” said Meyer. “I know what it’s like to live in a construction zone, and it’s amazing to me that nothing has been done to over 500 homes in Union Beach. I feel their pain.”