Raising Millions for Children's Cancer Charities Nationwide
Platinum-selling band Sister Hazel hosted the seventh annual Lyrics for Life - An Evening of Making Music Matter event on Saturday, March 08, 2025, in their hometown of Gainesville, FL. Presented by Rich and Carissa Blaser, the event raised more than $800,000 for Lyrics for Life’s Camp Hazelnut, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, and STOP! Children’s Cancer in Gainesville, FL.
The unforgettable evening featured an intimate performance by Sister Hazel, with special guest appearances by Rick Springfield and Edwin McCain. Dr. William Slayton, a pediatric oncologist at the University of Florida and a key partner in the event, shared with attendees, “The cancer that took the life of lead singer Ken Block's brother, Jeffrey Block, has been nearly eliminated. Thanks to donations, doctors have now identified the 'fingerprints' of cancer—breakthrough research that not only has the potential to save the remaining 10%, but can also be applied to treating all types of cancer.”
The event was made even more memorable thanks to the generous support of Verizon Business, the official After Party Sponsor, ensuring the celebration continued well into the night.
Since its founding, Lyrics for Life has raised more than $5 million to support children’s cancer research and treatment. This includes a million in donations to STOP! Children’s Cancer in Gainesville and over $600,000 for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. Additionally, the event has provided critical funding for organizations like the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa and Camp Sunshine in Atlanta.
Each year, more than 15,000 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer, highlighting the ongoing need for support. While survival rates have improved, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death by disease among children.
To learn more about Lyrics for Life and discover ways to contribute to this vital cause, visit https://www.lyricsforlife.org/.
About Sister Hazel:
Originating from Gainesville, FL, Southern Rock Band Sister Hazel is made up of five skilled and experienced musicians. Their hit song "All for You" soared to the top of the adult alternative charts in the summer of 1997, driving their album to achieve platinum status. Since then, the band has established itself across rock, alternative, and country genres, with multiple entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. Known for their dedication to fans, Sister Hazel was a pioneer in the themed cruise and destination event industry with the launch of "The Rock Boat" and regularly hosts unique fan-focused events such as the “Hazelnut Hang” and "Camp Hazelnut." They also maintain a strong social media presence with over a million followers. Beyond their musical activities, the band is committed to charitable efforts through Lyrics For Life, a nonprofit founded by lead singer Ken Block, has raised over five million dollars by bringing together musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to support cancer research and patient care.
About Lyrics For Life:
Lyrics for Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. Sister Hazel frontman, Ken Block, and his band mates founded Lyrics for Life in memory of Ken’s younger brother, Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer that started at age 14. The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions, and other fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure, as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, we are surrounding this disease and conquering it from every angle. Artists participate in many ways, often by donating handwritten lyrics to one of their songs on anything from a simple sheet of paper to a surfboard to some other unique item, which we offer for auction at one of our Lyrics for Life events. Our team of musicians, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters set high goals for the future. We accept the challenge to find new ways of raising money and awareness and to help make each day a little brighter until there is a cure. http://www.lyricsforlife.org/
About Camp Hazelnut:
Decades of familiar, happy faces cover the walls in the dining hall of Camp Crystal Lake outside Gainesville, FL. Kids around the U.S. have been spending summers there for as long as anyone can remember, so when the Camp’s Director, Scott Burton, got word to the band that he would love to collaborate on an event, everyone loaded up the car and headed out for a visit. The conversation started simply as a family-focused Sister Hazel fan event—a weekend “summer camp” retreat with activities, bonfires, cabins, and, of course, music. When Sister Hazel decided to also invite some regional kids with cancer and their families, the idea took on a whole new meaning, and the weekend turned out to be far more powerful than anyone first imagined: so much so, that they decided to center future Camp Hazelnut events around these special kids and families. The Camp Hazelnut goal is simple: create a playful, safe, uplifting experience for kids and families navigating the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis. It's a place to simply get away and come together. The campers embark on a great exploration to discover (or rediscover!) the magic that can only be created at summer camp, and the band is right there alongside them every step of the way, leading activities, playing acoustic campfire sing-alongs, sharing, giggling, and having a blast. http://www.lyricsforlife.org/camp-hazelnut
About The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation:
The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides financial support to qualified cancer patients in the state of Florida for expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills. By giving patients peace of mind in knowing that their bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment, the FCS Foundation allows them to concentrate on what really matters – fighting cancer. Due to the generosity of the Florida Cancer Specialists physicians in covering all overhead expenses for the Foundation, 100% of donations received go directly towards paying the essential non-medical living expenses of an adult battling cancer. The Foundation is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization and located at 5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Bradenton, FL 34211. Learn more about the FCS Foundation at: FCSF.org. For more information, call 941.677.7186 or email Events@FLCancer.com.
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