Unified Community Connections’ annual concert fundraiser, Hoodstock XIX, raised $106,000 this year, bringing the total amount raised to $1 million since Hoodstock started in 2003. Unified Community Connections is a nonprofit agency serving people with disabilities throughout Maryland.
Baltimore-resident Russ Causey founded Hoodstock in 2003 when he was a Unified board member. He had been playing guitar for a year when he decided to turn his garage into a makeshift stage, invited a few of his musician friends and neighbors over and hosted the first Hoodstock. The following year they passed a hat and donated the money to Unified. Over the last 19 years, Hoodstock has grown into a major event that Causey has continued to chair and perform in.
“I am blown away by the growth of Hoodstock. To go from my city backyard and generating $1,200 to now performing at The Winslow for more than 400 people and raising $106,000 is beyond anything I could have ever imagined,” Causey said. “I am proud of what Hoodstock has accomplished and the village of volunteers that makes it happen. It is so exciting to have hit the $1-million mark.”
Hoodstock guests “say no to black tie and yes to tie-dye” while enjoying live music from the ’60s, ’70s and today along with food, beverages and a silent auction. In addition, Unified Community Connections presents the Samuel A. Tucker Memorial Can Do Award each year to an individual receiving services from Unified. This year, O.J. Brigance, senior advisor for player development for the Baltimore Ravens and former Unified board member, presented the award to Jerel Layne for his work with Unified’s assistive technology program over the past eight years.
Unified President and CEO Amy Kreitz said, “I am so proud of everyone who has played a part in this event over the past 19 years and helped us to raise $1 million. I’m especially proud of Russ Causey and his committee who have given their skills and talents to make Hoodstock a signature event for Unified. The money raised truly makes a difference in the lives of the individuals with disabilities we support.”
Unified Community Connections will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hoodstock on Nov. 10, 2023, at The Winslow in Baltimore.
Unified Community Connections is a nonprofit agency that serves people with a wide range of disabilities throughout Maryland. Unified’s mission is to support people with disabilities in achieving independence, productivity and the quality of life they seek through residential and meaningful day services as well as assistive technology and transportation. Headquartered in Sparks, Maryland, Unified operates centers in Middle River, Cumberland, Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland. (www.unified.org)
