Charity Showcase: To Write Love On Her Arms
To Write Love On Her Arms started with a story and a mission to spread hope to those in needs. You are not alone, and they emphasize this declaration through their many initiatives, one of them being the Heavy and Light concert. The fourth annual Heavy and Light concert is taking place tomorrow, January 7th, at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL. If you’re curious as to what the concert entails, what TWLOHA’s upcoming plans are for 2012, and how you can get involved with the non-profit organization, you can read the answers to these questions below, answered by Chloe Grabanski of TWLOHA.
SUR: How did the idea for the Heavy and Light concert start?
When Casey Calvert of Hawthorne Heights passed away we hosted the first HEAVY AND LIGHT t in his honor. It evolved from that show but is still rooted in the ideas that stood behind the first one.
SUR: Where did the name “Heavy and Light” stem from?
A lot of what we talk about at TWLOHA has to do with contrast. The title shirt is black and white, we talk about pain and hope and the name HEAVY AND LIGHT was a perfect fit. It’s an evening of music and honest conversation, it recognizes that life is full of heavy and light moments.
SUR: What can people who attend Heavy and Light expect to take away from their experience?
It’s an evening of songs, conversation and hope. We also give each person a list of resources so if they or someone they know are struggling they have information. We hope each person walks away feeling inspired and alive.
SUR: What’s your goal that you try to achieve through putting on the concert?
We want to bring attention to the issues TWLOHA is about, provide people resources in their community and have everyone know they are not alone and that hope and help are very real things.
SUR: TWLOHA recently won a $1 million grant from the American Giving Award presented by Chase. What was your initial reaction when you found out your organization won?
We were completely shocked and excited. It’s a huge moment for our organization and it will allow us to do a lot of incredible things.
SUR: What are your plans for the grant that was given?
We will be investing in treatment and recovery, taking HEAVY AND LIGHT on the road and would like to begin work on an interactive platform that will allow people to invest in treatment and recovery in their community.
SUR: Overall, what are the highlights of being a part of TWLOHA?
Every day I get to bring my heart to work. It’s a privilege to hear other people’s story and be invited in.
SUR: How can people interested in helping TWLOHA get involved with it?
We have a large section of ways to get involved on our official website under the “MOVE” section.
SUR: So what’s next for TWLOHA in 2012?
We have a lot going on this year and are extremely excited about it. We’re heading out on the road with The Summer Set and the Cab, we’ll be going to Australia for Soundwave, the first term of our high school campaign The Storytellers begins Feb. 1 and we’ll be continuing all of our other projects. It’s going to be a great year.
SUR: Thanks for taking the time to do the interview. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Everyone’s story is important. Hope and help are real and if you or someone you know is struggling please visit our “FIND HELP” section at twloha.com. You matter.
HEAVY AND LIGHT
When: Sat. 01/07/2012
Venue: House of Blues in Orlando, FL
Doors: 06:30 PM
Ages: all
Line-Up: Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional), David Bazan (Pedro The Lion), William Fitzsimmons, Mariah McManus, Noah Gundersen, Anis Mojgani (spoken word poet), TWLOHA founder Jamie Tworkowski (speaking) and more.
Tickets can be purchased here: http://wrt.lv/sTlZg5
