FILO Co-Produces Hope Rocks to Benefit Faith’s Lodge

Earlier this year, FILO was engaged by Faith’s Lodge to be the production partner for the organization’s signature fundraiser, Hope Rocks, and on September 13th months of hard work paid off with an amazing event.

More than 700 people attended and over $100,000 was raised for Faith's Lodge, which provides a place where parents and families facing the serious illness or death of a child can retreat to reflect on the past, renew strength for the present, and build hope for the future (www.faithslodge.org).

Now in its sixth year, Hope Rocks was held at The Depot, Minneapolis, and featured a private BoDeans concert plus a surprise opening performance from A Firm Handshake. Sammy Brown and Reed Redmond sang their song “Clouds” as a tribute to fallen band member Zach Sobiech, who captured the world with his musical message of love before passing away on May 20 from osteosarcoma.

“It was one of the most moving experiences of my life to see so many people come together and support each other and look toward hope in times of ultimate grief,” said FILO’s Lou Bavaro, who co-produced the program with Kevin Weinhandl. “We are all proud to have been a part of it.”

The event also included a silent auction, live auction and other fundraising components that were facilitated by BidPal, an electronic registration and auction system using smartphones.

FILO’s responsibilities included: consulting with Faith’s Lodge on programming and elements; element procurement; producing and managing the audio/visual needs of the full program; producing and managing the sound for the BoDeans and A Firm Handshake; providing a total 10 FILO staffers and additional laborers for the day of event to assist with setup, registration, photo opportunity management, auction management, talent management and/or whatever was deemed necessary.

”The FILO staff was amazing. Their attention to detail and personal service were just icing on the cake,” said Faith’s Lodge Executive Director Kelly McDyre. “It was the professional job they did in the production and arrangements that wowed me and I can’t wait for the next opportunity.”

“By the way, FILO was true to form,” McDyre added. “They were the first ones at the venue that day and the last to leave.”