Photographed by: Jeremy Glover
Country music sensation Rascal Flatts graced the stage at Music Hall Tuesday night.
The invitation-only free concert kicked-off "UGIVE," a foundation that was formed to bridge the gap between schools requiring community service, charities desperately in need of volunteers, and the kids who have the time, energy and passion to do the work.
Former Bengal player Chris Collinsworth met Rascal Flatts after an NFL game last year, and the band agreed to help.
"The foundations all have this great need for the kids and their energy and work ethic, but there's never really been anything to connect the two," said Collinsworth.
UGIVECincinnati.org will serve as "volunteer central" for high school and college students in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Students can search the website for activities that match their interests and schedules.
The idea is to make it easier for young people to give back to their community, and to give charities a platform to reach out to the next generation of volunteers.
Alexandra McInturf, a freshman at Cincinnati Country Day, was at the concert.
She says, "I know personally that a lot of kids are looking for community service and ways to help out their community and they just don't know how. So, this is a great organization to help us do that."
Cincinnati Country Day freshman Cody Pomeranz says the site will provide a variety of volunteer opportunities.
"Teaching underprivileged kids soccer or chess down in the inner city," said Pomeranz, "and it's just a great organization for Cincinnati."
High school students wearing "UGIVE" T-shirts were in the audience at Music Hall.
They were clearly excited to see the country music stars.
Cris Collinsworth and Anthony Munoz hosted the kick-off event.
In a press conference following the concert, Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary Levox said, "Not only were Chris and Anthony heroes to us on the field, but also heroes to us off the field."
"With all of our accomplishments and everything we've been able to do, it's all for nothing if we can't take a few moments and realize what we have and take a few moments to give back," said Rascal Flatts' guitarist Jay Demarcus.
Guitarist Joe Don Rooney also said, "I think it's so great, so fresh, how you're connecting to the youth because that is the future."
One million dollars has already been raised in start-up capital from local foundations and corporations for the venture philanthropy initiative.
The official UGIVE launch will be in the spring, but their website is already up and running.
