Backpacks for Pine Ridge Blog

We're SO Excited!

2011-07-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

This year in addition to distributing backpacks at the Pass Creek Church of God in Allen, the First Church of God in Wounded Knee, and the Calico Community PowWow, we will be working with the non-profit organization RE-MEMBER to distribute backpacks!

RE-Member is an excellent organization that has been on the Pine Ridge Reservation for several years and does great work serving the basic needs of the Lakota people on the Reservation.

We are so very honored and excited to be able to partner with them in the effort to get school supplies to more children on the Reservation.

This is BIG !!

2011-05-05T19:11:00.000-04:00

We are thrilled to announce something BIG!

In April of 2012, Josh Lansdale will set out to hike over 2000 miles of the Appalacian Trail - and he'll be doing it to raise money for Backpacks For Pine Ridge!

You can help out by sponsoring Josh per mile of the hike! And you'll be able to follow his journey from his Facebook page!

Click here to see more information about his hike and how to help out.

Josh has made several trips to the Pine Ridge Reservation and has decided to do this to help raise money to provide backpacks and school supplies for the children living on the Rez. Be sure to "Like" his Hike For Pine Ridge page on Facebook and share it with all your friends!

Exciting News!

2011-03-26T08:12:00.000-04:00

We are once again planning our Trax for Backpacks 5k and we have exciting news! This year we will add a 10 race as well as the 5k ... and ... we are working with a school on the Pine Ridge Reservation to have one of the students design our logo!

We can't wait to see the new logo and meet the student who will get to design it!

For now, mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 29 to come out and walk or run the Trax for Backpacks 5k or 10k. It will again be held at the Voice of America Park in West Chester, OH.

The Shamrock Shuffle 2011

2011-03-13T08:22:00.000-04:00

THANKS to all who came out and walked or ran on the Backpacks For Pine Ridge Team

at the Shamrock Shuffle yesterday!!

You all did a GREAT job! And those of you who ran for the first time ... we'll be thinking about you and your shin splints. ;O)

I think we had the 25 people necessary to receive the $250 grant from The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty but it will probably be a few days before we know for sure.

Thanks so much for your support and we hope you had FUN!

REZonate Music Fest 2011

2011-03-09T12:43:00.000-05:00

You won't want to miss the REZonate Music Fest this summer. One of the premiere horn bands in the Greater Cincinnati area, Blue Stone Ivory, will be performning!

Mark your calendar now and plan to be there!

REZonate Music Fest

September 17, 2011

Keehner Park

West Chester, OH

BIG Thanks to The Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty

2011-02-18T12:43:00.005-05:00

We owe a BIG THANK YOU to the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty for the wonderful breakfast and the generous grant of $1000 to Backpacks For Pine Ridge!

The Rotary Club has been a friend of Backpacks For Pine Ridge for several years now. This year we are especially excited that two of the Rotary Club members will be going to Pine Ridge Reservation with us to deliver the backpacks!

The Shamrock Shuffle

2011-01-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Backpacks For Pine Ridge is a non-profit fund through The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty. On March 12, 2011, The Community Foundation will be hosting their 5th annual Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 10k at Union Center in West Chester.

This year there is a new twist called The Shuffle Gives Back. Each fund or charity can register as a team (which Backpacks For Pine Ridge has done) and for each 25 people who register for the Shamrock Shuffle on the Backpacks For Pine Ridge team, we will get a grant for $250! If we get 50 people registered on our team, we'll get a grant for $500!

Also each team that is the most recognizable and the most enthusiastic will be eligible for an additional $250!

SO ...

Here's what to do ...

Go to the registration page of The Shamrock Shuffle's web site and register. When it asks if you are on a team, click "yes". A space will open up for you to type in "Backpacks For Pine Ridge".

There are benefits to registering early as early registration is $25 a person. Pre-registration will be $30 a person and day of the event registration will be $35 a person. Early registration also includes a t-shirt and breakfast after the race.

Generally a backpack with school supplies costs us about $10 each so if we get 25 people on our team, and get the $250, then each person on our team will represent a child on the Reservation that will be getting a backpack full of school supplies!

Go register now and come out on March 12 for a fun time!

End of Year Report 2010

2010-12-27T16:30:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all who helped make this year a huge success! It sounds so cliché to say, but it really is true that you are the reason we are able to accomplish what we do.

Early in the year we got word that the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association had purchased a 2010 Heritage Softail Classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle to raffle off and were giving the proceeds to Backpacks! That set in motion a lot of fun. We cherish the relationships we were able to build with the Cincinnati TMA members through working with them at various festivals where the bike was on display.

In May, the Cincinnati TMA also helped some from our congregation at the Winton Road First Church of God to stuff the backpacks with school supplies and pack them into boxes for shipping.

In July we delivered 611 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Pine Ridge Reservation. We delivered to Allen, Wounded Knee, and the Calico Community. We were especially touched to discover what a huge impact we have had a the Calico Community. Previously they have held their annual PowWow in September. They would distribute the backpacks by ir them in the middle of the PowWow circle and having the grandparents come out first to get backpacks for their grandchildren. Like every other grandparent, they enjoy being able to do things for their grandchildren but are too often unable to. By distributing the backpacks in this way, it allowed the grandparents to give school supplies to their grandchildren. This year the Calico Community has changed the date of the PowWow to August so that the backpacks can be given out in August rather than September. This will relieve the stress of the people there because they will have the backpacks and school supplies in hand and will not need to worry about how they will provide them for their children.

On September 11th we held the REZonate Music Fest at Keehner Park in West Chester, OH. Thanks to our sponsors: Jacobs Plumbing and Excavating, Hauser Properties, Hauser Heating and Air, Ameridian Specialty Services, The Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty, Antonelli College, and Rascals Sports Bar and Grill, this year was successful once again! Blessid Union of Souls headlined the event with Brian White, Karyn Williams, 8KOunt, and The Nuclear Penguins all playing the event. The West Chester Police Department’s Honor Guard presented the colors for a very moving 9/11 tribute.
It was at the REZonate Music Fest that the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association drew the name of the winner of the 2010 Harley and presented Backpacks For Pine Ridge with a check for $10,180!!

In October we teamed up with Speedy Feet, Napa Auto Parts, US Food Service, The Body Shop, Dicks Sporting Goods, and Whole Foods to hold the Trax For Backpacks 5k at Voice of America Park. The event was very successful with over 100 runners and walkers participating.

As of December 2010 we have purchased 800 backpacks and all of the school supplies to go in them and are preparing to deliver them to the Reservation in July of 2011.

It has been a great year and we are looking forward to seeing what great things God has in store for 2011.

The Numbers are In and Its Good!

2010-11-22T06:57:00.003-05:00

The number are in from the Trax for Backpacks 5k!! We cleared $ 1,872.00 !! Not bad for a first year event!!

Thanks to all who came out and ran or walked or just came out to cheer us on.

Thanks to our sponsors NAPA Auto Parts, The Body Shop Personal Training, Whole Foods and US Food Service.

And thanks to Rhonda Greely who had the vision and determination to make it all happen! It was a fun morning for all. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

Goodbye to a Good Friend

2010-11-14T16:36:00.004-05:00

It is with much sadness and a sense of disbelief that I am writing of the unexpected loss of a very good friend. Saturday, November 13th, Gary Means suffered a heart attack and passed away. Gary was a personal friend for many, many years and was closely connected to Backpacks For Pine Ridge.

As a professional graphic designer he donated his time and talent to creating our beautiful logos for both Backpacks For Pine Ridge and for the REZonate Music Fest. In addition the the logos and countless fliers Gary created for REZonate, he and his wife Jan also supported Backpacks For Pine Ridge financially.

Those who knew Gary will remember him as a compassionate man who cared deeply and gave generously. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all of his many friends who will miss him greatly.

REZonate Music Fest

2010-09-14T16:17:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to all who helped to make the REZonate Music Fest a success this year! There are just to many to thank individually. Over 100 volunteers and so, so, so many who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Here are a few pics of the day.

The West Chester Police Department Honor Guard

doing a tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11

The Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association

raffled off a 2010 Heritage Softail Classic Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

Emcee Dan Tacket calling the winner of the Harley from the stage

The Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association presenting Amber from Backpacks for Pine Ridge with a check for $10,000 toward the purchase of backpacks and school supplies to for the children on Pine Ridge Reservation

Blessid Union of Souls

Brian White

Karyn Williams

8KOunt

The Nuclear Penguins

Bridgewater Falls Bikes & BBQ Pics

2010-07-02T14:41:00.004-04:00

Last Sunday we had a booth at Bridgewater Falls Shopping Center's Bikes & BBQ event. We gave out info about Backpacks For Pine Ridge, REZonate Music Fest, the Trax For Backpacks 5k, and the Teamsters Motorcycle Association sold about 30+ raffle tickets. Scot even sold one to Ickey Woods, former Bengals player. Here are a few pics of the event.

The 2010 Heritage Softail Classic the TMA is raffling off to benefit

Backpacks For Pine Ridge

Gary and Ron from Cincinnati TMA

Scot from Cincinnati TMA selling a raffle ticket to Ickey Woods

Sunday, June 27th: Bikes & BBQ Event

2010-06-22T10:33:00.001-04:00

Come see us at Bridgewater Falls Shopping Center this Sunday afternoon, June 27th, from noon till 4pm. Ickey Woods, former Bengals player will be on hand to judge the BBQ cookoff and we'll have raffle tickets available for the 2010 Heritage Softail Classic!

The 2010 REZonate Flier

2010-06-22T09:52:00.004-04:00

Thanks Gary for a GREAT job creating the flier for us! Check our web site for a downloadable version.

Ft. Ancient PowWow

2010-06-06T07:26:00.002-04:00

Look for us at the Gathering of Four Directions PowWow at Ft. Ancient on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. We will be there with info and raffle tickets for the 2010 Heritage Softail Classic Harley Davidson.

Click here for the flier and info about the PowWow

The Harley is on Display Today!

2010-06-05T07:27:00.002-04:00

Come see us today, June 5th at Tri-County Harley Davidson in Fairfield. The 2010 Heritage Softail Classic that will be raffled off at REZonate this year will be on display. Get your ticket and say hi

Backpack Packing 2010

2010-05-22T22:09:00.003-04:00

BIG THANKS to the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association and some folks from Winton Rd. First Church of God for coming out to stuff backpacks and pack them! Together we packed 547 backpacks before we ran out of boxes! We'll get more boxes next week and finish the rest for a total of 600!

Click on the pics for a larger view!

Backpack Packing Party 2010

2010-05-21T10:07:00.002-04:00

These are just a few of the supplies we'll be packing this Saturday!

Ft. Ancient PowWow!!

2010-05-17T13:20:00.003-04:00

Look for the Backpacks For Pine Ridge booth at the 20th Annual Fort Ancient Celebration: A Gathering if Four Directions

Saturday, June 12th from 11:00am - 7pm

Sunday, June 13th noon - 6pm

Fort Ancient:

6123 State Route 350

Oregonia, OH 45054

The Harley!

2010-05-12T13:27:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Heritage Softail Classic Harley Davidson bike that the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association is raffling off at REZonate on Sept. 11th this year is all paid for!!

Now its time to get it in gear for the kids! Ticket sales now all go to provide school supplies for the kids on Pine Ridge Reservation - the poorest place in America!

Thanks to the Cincinnati TMA and Tri-County Harley Davidson in Fairfield, the sky is the limit for what we can do for the kids!

Come see us this weekend at the Trenton Yard Sales - and get a look at the bike!

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-08T06:54:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Heritage Softail Classic that will be raffled off at REZonate on Sept. 11th will be on display May 7, 8, and 9th at Tri-County Harley in Fairfield! Come check it out. Raffle tickets are just $10 each!

Blessid Union of Souls @ REZonate Music Fest

2010-04-10T09:10:00.003-04:00

We are happy to announce that Blessid Union of Souls will be performing at the REZonate Music Fest on Sept. 11th @ Keehner Park!

Come out and enjoy a fantastic show and help provide backpacks and school supplies for the children on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Welcome to Jacobs Plumbing and Excavating!

2010-04-03T09:44:00.003-04:00

We are happy to welcome Jacobs Plumbing and Excavating as a sponsor for the REZonate Music Fest again this year! Give them a call at 513-895-3166 for all your plumbing needs.

Sponsors Needed for REZonate

2010-03-31T15:24:00.003-04:00

We're gearing up for the biggest and best REZonate ever this year but we are in need of sponsors to help make it happen.

If you have a business and would like to make a tax-deductible donation to sponsor REZonate this year we will provide you with a booth at the event, mention you from the stage several times, and put your logo everywhere. :)

Contact Amber at amberburiff@aol.com for info.

We are very grateful to our sponsors Tri-County Harley Davidson and Hauser Heating and Air for their support!

Help Needed

2010-03-31T14:14:00.001-04:00

We could use your help. We are still in need of 300 boxes of 24 count crayons for the backpacks that will go to the Rez this year. If you want to help out, they can be brought to the Winton Rd. First Church of God in Fairfield during service times or they can be mailed to

Backpacks For Pine Ridge
6468 Kimberly Drive
Hamilton, OH 45011.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

Welcome to Hauser Heating and Air!

2010-03-30T09:50:00.002-04:00

We are happy to welcome Hauser Heating and Air as a sponsor for the REZonate Music Fest again this year. Give them a call for all of your heating and airconditioning needs!

Trax for Backpacks 5k: Pre-register Online!

2010-03-20T10:13:00.003-04:00

The Trax for Backpacks 5k will be held at

VOA Park, West Chester, OH

Oct. 30, 2010.

You can download our flyer and registration form at our web site Backpacks For Pine Ridge

or you can go to Speedy Feet and scroll down to find our race and register online.

Can't Wait Till We Can Tell You More About This ...

2010-02-23T19:46:00.002-05:00

The Name of the 5k is ....

2010-02-20T14:14:00.001-05:00

All the voting is in and the name you all chose for the 5k is ... Trax For Backpacks 5k!

We'll have details about time and location coming in the next week or two!

Its Time to VOTE for the Name for the 5k!

2010-02-14T17:06:00.000-05:00

Online Surveys & Market Research

Name the 5k!

2010-02-05T12:38:00.003-05:00

Here's a chance for you to do something creative and fun! We are considering a 5k Walk/Run to benefit Backpacks For Pine Ridge sometime this fall and we need a name. Put your suggestion in a comment and we'll all vote!

Keehner Park

2010-01-19T09:02:00.001-05:00

Check out the venue for the REZonate Music Fest 2010!

We'll be there on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 from 2 - 9 pm

Keehner Park in West Chester, OH is a great place to take the family for a day of fun.

REZonate Music Fest 2010 !!

2010-01-10T20:43:00.004-05:00

REZonate Music Fest

will be held at

Keehner Park
West Chester, OH

Saturday, September 11, 2010

This year the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association

will raffle off a 2010 Heritage Softail Classic Harley Davidson motorcycle at REZonate!

Tickets are just $10 each for a chance to win a brand new Harley!

(Tax, title, prep, extra security features paid by CTMA)

See any Cincinnati TMA member for tickets or send $10 per ticket along with a SASE to: Cinti TMA, 1802 Vernon Place, Fairfield, OH, 45014.

Many THANKS to our friends at Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association!!

Year-End Report

2009-10-26T12:24:00.004-04:00

As we wrap up the 2009 year things are looking great for Backpacks For Pine Ridge. In spite of a rough economy, giving kept pace and even exceeded what we expected. Here are a few of the highlights from the past year.

In January our friends 8 Lives Spent held a benefit at The Virginia Brewing Company in Winchester, VA with Michael Fath, Tom Fitzgerald, Brent Woodall and Naches Trace for the purpose of raising money to buy electric heaters. Because of their efforts we were able to deliver 50 heaters to those in need on the Reservation.
In April we had our “Backpacking Party” where in 2 hours we filled 500 backpacks with school supplies, packed them into boxes and stacked them so they were ready to load onto the truck. 150 were destined for the village of Allen, 100 to the village of Wounded Knee and the remaining 250 to the Calico Community on the Reservation.
In May we got word that The Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association would be making The REZonate Music Fest and Bike Ride their “event of the year”.
In June we received a message from Dawn Frank, president of the Calico Community, saying they needed 300 backpacks for the children in her community. The problem was, we only had 250, so the call went out and you all responded with the money to purchase 50 more backpacks and the school supplies to go in them!
In July we delivered 550 backpacks to the Reservation - more than we’ve ever done before! 150 backpacks to the village of Allen, the poorest village in America. 300 backpacks were delivered to the Calico Community and 100 to the village of Wounded Knee! Dawn Frank, president of the Calico Community on the Reservation tells what impact that has on the families in Pine Ridge. (click here)
August was a busy month. In August we held the REZonate Music Fest at the Voice of America in West Chester. REZonate Music Fest is a day long music fest and is our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year we had almost 3 times more people in attendance and made enough money to buy backpacks for 1 village! The Teamsters Motorcycle Association showed up with some beautiful Harley’s and a great attitude. What a thrill to hear those bike thunder out onto the highway letting everyone around know something was up! We were so grateful that Brian White and Karyn Williams could be back again this year and true to form they delivered an amazing performance. New this year at REZonate were The Sonic Sledgehammers who showed the crowd a good time by playing rock hits from the 60’s – today. 8Kount wowed everyone with a kicking performance of rock originals. And Double Cross provided lots of laughs alongside some good old country music. We are also grateful that Dan Tacket could join us again this year to emcee the event! Toby Howell, a local Firefighter and EMT for Fairfield Township was on hand all day long to provide first aid and to let the kids (old and young) dress up in his firefighter suit. B105 and The Wolf were our Media Partners for the event and 96 ROCK had Amber from Backpacks For Pine Ridge and Niki T from 8Kount in the studio for a on-air interview. Yeah, we had FUN! You can still hear it here ...

Also in August, Scot from Pittsburgh held a benefit for Backpacks for Pine Ridge! Its really amazing when total strangers from other cities get involved!

Many THANKS to …
The volunteers who put in LONG hours parking cars, setting up, tearing down, running sound, picking up trash and working booths at REZoante Music Fest. Thanks to the REZonate Team (Brian Buriff, Jessica Neal, Brody Jacobs, Brian Whitlock, Dennis Whitaker, Paula Short, and Tim Hall) for the many hours of meetings and work to make REZonate happen. And thanks again to the local businesses who have generously sponsored REZonate – Hauser Heating and Air, The Rotary Club of West Chester, Ameridian Specialty Services, All Signs, One Stop Tool Rental, Jacobs Plumbing and Excavating, Panera Bread, Kroger, Duke Energy, Majestic Molds, Inc., Papa Johns Pizza

Thanks to the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association.

Thanks to Jeff Smith for all the hours of planning and organizing the motorcycle ride!

Thanks to our Media Partners B105 and The Wolf

Thanks to 96 ROCK and WFCJ for the on-air interviews

Thanks to Richard O Jones for running a front page story in the West Chester Pulse-Journal.

It is truly humbling to have so many people sacrifice so much of their time and money to see the kids on the Reservation get the very basic school supplies that they need. Special mention should go to Jessica Neal who as volunteer coordinator for REZonate worked the festival while her husband Wes was in ICU. And mention should be made also that Dennis Whitaker who oversaw the sound at REZonate worked about 20 hours straight. Dan Tacket gave his time emceeing the event just after shoulder surgery and was in much pain throughout the day but never let it show. I count it an honor to have such amazing people on board in the effort to fulfill the need on the Reservation. Thanks to each and every person who gave of themselves so others could benefit. I know God will not forget your hard work (Heb. 6:10).

On a sad note, Pam Nabor, the director of events for West Chester was injured at work and on medical leave just before REZonate. Pam has always served the needs of West Chester with outstanding efficiency and professionalism. To say we missed her this year would be a huge understatement, but even in her pain she came out to REZonate to visit and bring a personal donation.

Backpacks For Pine Ridge is a strictly volunteer organization. No one is paid a salary so that 100% of the funds raised can go directly toward the purchase of backpacks and school supplies for the children on the Reservation.

It is now the end of October and we already have 600 backpacks and the school supplies to take to the Reservation next summer! This year was a record-breaking year and it’s looking as if next year will beat that!

Of course, its never too late to get on board. To make a tax deductable donation just make your check out to Backpacks For Pine Ridge and mail to:

TheCommunity Foundationof West Chester / Liberty

5641 Union Centre Dr.
West Chester, OH 45069

Or give with a credit card on our web site at http://www.backpacksforpineridge.com/

Needed: A Venue

2009-09-30T08:57:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately there is a good possibility that we will be unable to have the REZonate Music Fest at the Voice of America next year. We are not giving up on the idea but are checking into some other possibilities. To date we are considering Barn and Bunk and The Butler County Fairgrounds. City parks are difficult because the openness makes it difficult to charge an admission to the event. The event has grown and we believe will continue to do so and will bring significant foot traffic to the area that hosts the it which could be good for surrounding businesses. It is also good for the community to be involved in a unique charity event that benefits Native Americans since there is so much Native history in Southern Ohio. If anyone has access to a large chunk of land in a centrally located, high traffic area, please feel free to contact me at amberburiff@aol.com.

School Supplies

2009-09-26T16:10:00.003-04:00

Its the time of year when the school supplies start piling up for next year's trip. These pics really don't do it justice but at least you can get an idea of what's happening. This winter we'll have a backpack packing party and fill and pack the backpacks so they're ready to go to the Rez next July.

Thanks! We did it!

2009-09-04T14:10:00.002-04:00

BIG THANKS to everyone who helped out and to those who lent their support by coming out to the REZonate Music Fest! We made enough from the REZonate to provide backpacks and school supplies to one village on the Rez.!!

Thanks to our sponsors:
Ameridian Speciality Services, Inc.
Hauser Heating and Air
The Rotary Club of West Chester
Jacobs Plumbing and Excavating
One Stop Tool Rental
Panera Bread
Majestic Mold Making, Inc.
All Signs
Kroger
Duke Energy

Also Thanks to the GREAT Bands that Gave of their Time and Talent:
Brian White
Karyn Williams
Petes Sallis
8KOunt
The Sonic Sledgehammers
Double Cross
Gary Hitsman and Band

Thanks to the Sound Guys
Dennis Whitaker
Chris Hauser
Brian Whitlock

Thanks to the Food Vendors
Papa Johns Pizza
Rib City Barbeque
Little Jimmy's Italian Ice
T-Bird Designs for doing Indian Tacos, Fry Bread and t-shirts

Thanks to Dan Tackett for emceeing the event and delivering a very professional and heartfelt job!

Thanks to Toby Howell (Firefighter and EMT with Fairfield Township) for providing First Aid all day and for letting the kids (big and little) dress up in your firefighter suit

Thanks to all the Volunteers - too many to name who make this event happen. We can NOT do this without you! You are defiantly the unsung heroes to the kids on the Rez.

Thanks to the Team who put in months and hours of hard work to make this event possible.
Jessica Neal
Dennis Whitaker
Brody Jacobs
Brian Whitlock
Brian Buriff
Paula Short
Tim Hall

Thanks to the Teamsters Motorcycle Association and Jeff Smith for organizing the Charity Bike Ride!

Thanks to Pam Nabor for her months and hours of putting up with us and giving EXCELLENT direction. Your service and kind heart will not be forgotten.

Thanks to B105 and 96 ROCK for the air time and support in getting the word out about the event.

Thanks to WFCJ for the on-air interview and your help getting the word out

Thanks to Richard O Jones of the Hamilton Journal for the front page story

And thanks to everyone who came out to show their support! You all ROCK ... every last one of you!

Pics from REZonate!!

2009-08-30T06:14:00.006-04:00

Toby Howell letting kids try on his firefighter suit - they ate that up

TODAY!

2009-08-29T04:39:00.003-04:00

Keep it tuned to 105.1 fm today to hear live breaks from REZonate Music Fest on B105! They will be on site between 5-9pm! Listen online at www.wube.com but better yet - come on out and enjoy the event LIVE!

In the Studio of 96ROCK with Niki T from 8KOunt

2009-08-28T13:07:00.001-04:00

Friday, Aug. 28 ... 96ROCK

2009-08-27T18:14:00.002-04:00

Tune in to 96ROCK this Friday, Aug. 28th at 8am to hear Niki from 8KOunt and Amber from REZonate Music Fest on the Gamble and Fin show! You can listen online at http://www.purerock96.com/

2009-08-24T08:06:00.002-04:00

REZonate Bike Ride on Biker Plaza

Family Friendly Cincinnati Blog

2009-08-23T22:31:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Michelle for posting about REZonate Music Fest on the Family Friendly Cincinnati blog!!

The Schedule for REZonate Music Fest & Bike Ride

2009-08-19T10:03:00.003-04:00

Bike Ride:

Registration begins at 8:30 am; Bikes depart at 11:00 am

Cost: $15/single rider; $20/couple (participants in the bike ride re-enter the Festival free)

Music Fest

$8/car; $2/bike suggested parking donation

2pm - Double Cross - performing top 40 County

3pm - The Sonic Sledgehammers! - performing rock covers from the 60's - today!

5pm - Gary Hitsman and Band

6pm - 8KOunt - prepare to be ROCKED. They perform their own songs that will rock you. They've headlined the WEBN Fireworks for the past 2 years!

8pm - Dove Award Winner Brian White!! Performing with Brian will be singer/songwriter Karyn Williams!

B105 & The Wolf

2009-08-19T09:56:00.002-04:00

Cincinnati's best Country, B105 and The Wolf will be at REZonate from 5-9pm!!

Come join the fun!!

Volunteers Still Needed for REZonate

2009-08-15T12:01:00.003-04:00

We still need volunteers for REZonate on Aug. 29th. We especially need some strong guys who can help set up some rather large tents so if you want to show off your guns give us a shout. Contact Jess at jessicasummerneal@hotmail.com

1500 Notebooks

2009-08-15T11:47:00.002-04:00

This week has been busy. Not only are we gearing up for our big fundraiser, the REZonate Music Fest & Charity Bike Ride, but it's also the time of year to shop for school supplies. I found some great deals at Target and Walmart. So far I've got 1500 notebooks, 1500 pencils, 1500 pens and 1500 packs of crayons.

We are hoping to do more next year than we did this year. This year we took 550 backpacks out. As of right now we really only have the funds to do 350 next year but we're going to take a step of faith and shoot for 500 (hence the 1500 notebooks, etc - we put 3 in each backpack). The tough economy has been a challenge but we can make a little bit go a long way. I believe we may even be surprised to find that we will be able to do even more and I'll be out beating the bushes for good deals on even more school supplies.

These are the notebooks on my dining room table. Now for the energy to carry them all upstairs. :)

The Heat is On

2009-08-06T11:45:00.002-04:00

Here's a short video of us delivering some of the heaters that our friends 8 Lives Spent from Winchester, VA, raised the money for. We delivered heaters to the villages of Calico, Wounded Knee and Allen. BIG THANKS to the guys from 8 Lives Spent for all their work! Some people will be warm this winter thanks to them.

REZonate Music Fest & BIke Ride

2009-07-27T08:46:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Gary who made this beautiful flier for REZonate! If you are in the greater Cincinnati area and would like to help us out, you may click on the picuture to go to a larger view and print it out and post it where you work or play. If you would like a larger file, you can email me at Amberburiff@aol.com and I'll be happy to email it to you as well.

A Letter

2009-07-22T15:46:00.001-04:00

Letters like the following one help us keep doing what we do.

"Amber,

My name is ___________ and I am a Cherokee. When I was a child and I went
to the white man's school, they treated me pretty mean. They didn't understand
my culture. I also was from a poor family and never had lunch like everyone else
had. I had stuff from the garden that my Mother gave me to eat. I also was never
allowed new school supplies. When I was 7 years old the gym teacher gave me some
tennis shoes to wear because we couldn't afford any, the right one was red and
the left one blue. And one was too big and one was too small. The while people
really laughed at me.That's why I took upon myself to help the Lakota children.
TheLakota people mean a lot to me. They are very brave warriors. Also the best
people you will ever find. I hope the donations that I received will help many
more children than ever this year. It means a great deal to a child to have new
school supplies. I wish I could give more than what we are giving. The funds
that I have received total to $860.00 and if I receive any more I will mail them
to you."

The 7th Generation

2009-07-22T15:41:00.002-04:00

Over a hundred years ago Black Elk had a vision of the time when the Lakota people would heal from the devastating effects of European migration. In his vision the Sacred Hoop which had been broken, would either be mended in seven generations or else the Nation would die. The children born into this decade will be the seventh generation.

We hope that by taking school supplies to the children on the Reservation that we have some small part in the healing of the Lakota people. This year we took 550 backpacks to the village of Allen, Wounded Knee and Calico. Below is an interview with Dawn Frank, president of Calico Community on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

BIG Thanks to our Media Partners for REZonate!

2009-07-08T13:39:00.002-04:00

B105 and The Wolf have signed on as media partners for REZonate Music Fest and Bike Ride!! They will be promoting the event on the air and B105 will be doing live breaks from the event! We are thrilled to be working with such COOL people!

They didn't even ask for anything for themselves - they just wanted to give back to the community! So PLEASE tune in and listen - they ROCK!!

Part 2 of the Interview @ Communitas Collective

2009-06-22T09:07:00.001-04:00

Part 2 of the interview at Communitas Collective can be found here

Interview

2009-06-19T12:34:00.002-04:00

Gary interviewed Amber from Backpacks For Pine Ridge over at Communitas Collective. You can read the interview here.

Gary also does all of our art work for us. He is the talent behind the Backpacks For Pine Ridge logo, the REZonate Music Fest logo and all of our promotional materials!

Just a Taste of What You Can Hear at REZonate Music Fest

2009-06-08T21:41:00.002-04:00

Singer and author, Karyn Williams visited the Nashville Mercy Ministries

WE Did It!

2009-06-08T12:59:00.001-04:00

Yes, thanks to our friends and followers, we were able to get the supplies for the additional 50 backpacks! That brings this year's count to 550 backpacks for the kids on the Rez!

THANK YOU!!

I Know You Want One of These

2009-06-08T11:52:00.003-04:00

So you say, "How can I get one of those mega cool bracelets?"

Simple - VOLUNTEER.

We'll need people to:

Set up 10x10 pop up tents
Work booths selling merch for the bands
Park cars
Be a host(ess) to see that the band members have everything they need
and probably a lot of other things that I can't think of at the moment.

Contact Jessica if you want to volunteer

If you have a bike (motorcycle) you can ride in the Charity Bike Ride and get one.

Contact Jeff if you want more info about that.

Can We Do 50 More and FAST??

2009-06-04T13:40:00.005-04:00

I just got an email from someone on the Reservation asking for 300 backpacks for the children in her community. I had been in touch with her before and was waiting to hear how many they needed for their community. The problem is ... we only have 250 to give her. I have 150 committed to one village and 100 committed to another - that only leaves me with 250. I'm wondering ... can we do 50 more? It would take $50. We leave July 10 so we need to get it together fast. If we can pull this off, then all of the children in that community would be taken care of. I hate to take them there knowing that 50 kids will be left out.

So what do you say?? Can we do this??

If you can help, donating online is easy. Just click here to get to our Fund's site and click the "Give Now" button and follow directions.

I'll let you know what happens...

It's Time

2009-04-29T12:58:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe it but its that time of year again ... time to start raising funds for the purchase of backpacks and school supplies.

In July of this year we will leave for the Rez with a truck load of 500 backpacks filled with school supplies for children in 3 villages on the Pine Ridge Reservation!

But before we leave, it will be time to once again start purchasing for the 2010 school year. We purchase the backpacks from a distributor where we can get a good deal on them and purchase the school supplies as the "back to school" sales start in July. If we wait longer than that the prices are considerable higher which means less children will be helped.

So here we are, hat in hand, asking for your help. Any gift if greatly appreciated - especially in this tough economy. Remember all of your donations are tax deductible through the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.

Make your check out to:

Backpacks For Pine Ridge

The Community Foundation West Chester/Liberty

5641 Union Centre Dr

West Chester, OH 45069

You can also give online at the Community Foundation's web site. Be sure to indicate that it is for Backpacks For Pine Ridge.

Thank You!

Coming to REZonate Music Fest

2009-04-27T09:18:00.002-04:00

Eliot Sloan

Lead singer of Blessid Union of Souls, a pop/rock band from the 90's with eight Top 40 hits. Eliot and his band have had their songs performed in movies with Jodie Foster, Jim Carrey and Penny Marshall as well as TV shows like "Cold Case," "All My Children," "Dancing With The Stars" and "American Idol.

If you were at REZonate last year, then you know how Eliot Sloan left everyone speechless.

Be sure and check out Blessid Union of Souls' new CD Close to the Edge

The song "Could've Been With You" is now #39 on the HOT AC Indicator Radio Chart!

Coming To REZonate Music Fest

2009-04-27T09:11:00.002-04:00

Karyn Williams

Karyn is a singer, songwriter, marathon runner, former Miss University of Florida, and the daughter of Pat Williams, the senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic. She has recently authored the book The Takeaway with her father. Be sure to check out this inspiring new book and look for Karyn on Good Morning America, the 700 Club, and the Delilah Radio Show.

You can check Karyn's myspace for her music

Just a bit about The Takeaway.

In The Takeaway, Pat Williams, father of nineteen
multicultural children and senior vice president of the Orlando Magic, and his
daughter Karyn, a rising music star, remind us of twenty simple, yet essential,
truths for living a happy and fulfilled life. These memorable jewels of wisdom
are lessons for all time that everyone can take away and apply to their lives.
Practical and profound, this straightforward book can change your life for the
better

Get Your Motor Runnin', Head Out On The Highway

2009-04-23T13:46:00.006-04:00

We are excited to announce that in conjunction with REZonate Music Fest we are also having a Charity Bike Run by the Cincinnati Teamsters Motorcycle Association!

If you have a bike, come join the fun and help out the kids at Pine Ridge!

More info regarding ride times and cost coming soon.

Twitter Users Can Help Backpacks For Pine Ridge

2009-04-15T12:30:00.001-04:00

Actor Hugh Jackman announced Tuesday on his Twitter profile that he will donate $100,000 to one Twitterer's non-profit of choice if they can convince him of why in 140 character or less.
So, if you're on Twitter ... please let Hugh know why he should support Backpacks For Pine Ridge @twitter.com/realhughjackman.

http://www.backpacksforpineridge.com/

Another Band Booked for REZonate Music Fest!

2009-04-08T10:19:00.004-04:00

Double Cross with Cincinnati music legend Danny Burton will be playing top 40 Country hits at REZonate Music Fest this year!

500 Backpacks: 2 Hours!

2009-04-04T12:35:00.004-04:00

Last night (April 3rd) a group of adventurous souls showed up to fill and pack the backpacks that will be taken to the Reservation this summer. We set a record this year by filling and packing 500 backpacks in 2 hours! It was a hot and tiring job but everyone had a great attitude and make it a lot of fun. One person confessed to eating erasers when they were a kid. I am not saying who that is but I'm now wondering why we ran out of erasers before we ran out of backpacks ;) Jessy, the youngest of the group declared "this is kinda fun".

Thanks to the following people for their help:

Ellen Sizemore
Judy Foley
Tina Smith
Gary Histman
Sheri Hitsman
Jessy Hitsman
Jean Hitsman
Wint Martin
Nirvana Martin
Sabyle Martin
Sydney Martin
Charles Jackson
Brandon Whitaker
Brian Buriff

Click on the pics for a larger view

8KOunt Performing @ REZonate

2009-03-07T08:56:00.003-05:00

8KOunt

8 KOunt will be performing at REZonate this year. They have headlined at the WEBN fireworks and have been described as "the best ROCK band in Cincinnati" by Rockstars Glued

8 KOunt is a hard-driving modern rock band that has scored international attention in Metal Edge, Hit Parader, Concrete Corner and Fuse television.

"Once the band hit the stage, it was Rock and Roll at it's best! 8KOunt is the BEST Rock band in Cincinnati. Hands down. They will take you on a Rock and Roll ride from beginning to end. The energy and talent of this band cannot be denied. They are the tightest band that I have heard in years... Perfection!” “If you aren't rockin' out in your car to an 8KOunt CD, you should be! This is the band that is going to make it. They have everything that the music industry needs right now, and I know that they will kick a** in your town soon!”
Rockstars Glued

Brian White Performing @ REZonate

2009-03-07T08:45:00.006-05:00

Brian White

Brian White, a Dove Award winner and Grammy nominee for the #1 song Watching You will be back with us this year.

Brian found immediate sucess, and by the late 80's had established himself as a premier songwriter with the Benson Music Group, now known as Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing. He has written for such artist as Avalon,4 Him, Point of Grace, Brian Littrell,Selah, The Crabb Family,All Star United, Greg Long,Larnelle Harris, Jaci Velasquez, Cliff Richard and many others.

His writing has earned him eleven number 1 songs as well as 2 Dove Awards, one for Inspirational Song of the Year in 1994 for "Holding Out Hope to You", recorded by Michael English and the other for Southern Gospel Song of the Year in 2004 for 'The Promise" recorded by the Martins.

Delighted with the success that other artist were having with his songs, Brian nonetheless felt a call to do more, which led to the formation of Brian White and Justice. After recording 5 albums and spending 14 years on the road in full time touring and ministry he came off the road to spend more time writing and ministering on a local level.

He currently is a staff writer for Universal/Brentwood Benson Music Publishing in Nashville. In recent days he has expanded his writing into the country market and has found success there as well with songs being recorded by country super star Trace Adkins as well as Neal McCoy, Earl Scruggs, Charley Pride, Blackhawk and the multi-week 1 Smash, "Watching You" for Rodney Atkins which was named SESAC Country Song of the Year at the recent Awards Dinner. The song continues to be a fan favorite and a radio smash as it earned the title of "Most Played Country Song of 2007" as well as just being nominated for SONG OF THE YEAR honors at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards, held in Las Vegas. Add to that yet another Dove Award Nomination for 2008 Country Song of the Year for "James White", a song recorded by country legend Earl Scruggs, and you have a man whose songs cross the lines that so many tend to draw.

REZonate Music Fest on Myspace

2009-02-25T11:53:00.001-05:00

REZonate Music Fest is now on Myspace!

If you're in the greater Cincinnati area, send us a friend request!

Backpack Packing Party: Volunteers Needed

2009-02-20T22:00:00.001-05:00

Its that time again ... time to fill and pack the backpacks for the kids at Pine Ridge!

We have 500 backpacks to fill and pack this year and can use your help. Anyone can help regardless of age. We cannot take more than 12 people though so email Amber amberburiff@aol.com if you want to be included.

Friday, April 3, 2008

Buriff's home

7pm - 9ish??

What Does a Rock Band, a Bar, a Pastor's Wife, a Heating and Air Conditioning Guy and a Plumber Have in Common?

2009-02-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

Its always amazing to me how things happen ... how one thing can touch someone and cause them to take action and before you know it, there's more good things happening. A case in point is that last summer when we did the REZonate Music Fest, we took one of the bands out to lunch. The guys from 8 Lives Spent had just gone above and beyond anything we ever expected. They drove all the way from Winchester, VA to Cincinnati, OH, bringing all of their equipment and families with them and would accept no payment at all - not even traveling expenses. They did it because they want to help make a difference in the lives of the Lakota people. At that lunch, Brian Holt, the drummer, asked me what they needed at Pine Ridge. I replied that they need heaters. Just that year we had learned that some of the people there resort to burning their furniture for heat when they run out of propane and cannot afford to buy more. If they had some space heaters, they would be able to at least have some source of heat.

Well, that touched Brian and he went back to Winchester and began making plans for a benefit to raise money for heaters. This past January, 8 Lives Spent, Tom Fitzgerald, Michael Fath and Brent Woodall played at The Virginia Brewing Company for that benefit. They raised $1500!

I came home and contacted Roy Hauser of Hauser Heating and Air who has also been a HUGE supporter of Backpacks For Pine Ridge. Roy got a good deal on heaters and last week Brody Jacobs of Jacobs Plumbing and Excavating picked them up! The 42 heaters are now sitting ready to go to the Rez this summer when the truck leaves. That means that 42 families will have heat next winter that may not otherwise have it.

Yes, its amazing.

Road Trip!

2009-01-12T08:47:00.001-05:00

This weekend Brian and I (Amber) traveled to Winchester, VA to join with our friends 8 Lives Spent for a benefit show at the Virginia Brewing Company. Proceeds from the show will go to buy space heaters for the Lakota Sioux people on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

We normally provide backpacks and school supplies to the children, but winters on the Rez are brutal with 40 below wind chills and blizzards. The people heat with propane on the rez which can be very expensive. The are given heating assistance but it is not enough to fill their tanks even once. When the propane is out, they often go without heat. Having an electric space heater in those times can be literally life-saving.

A big THANK YOU goes out to Brain Holt for organizing this event. Without his hard work this event would never have taken place. Because of his efforts, $1515.00 was raised to buy heaters!

Thanks also for each of the bands who willingly came and gave of their time and talent for this event.

8 Lives Spent

Tom Fitzgerald

Brent Woodall and Naches Trace

and legendary guitarist, Michael Fath

Thanks too to Jim Justice, owner of the Virginia Brewing Company for his generosity in providing the venue.

Old Town Winchester, VA

Arriving @ The Virginia Brewing Company

Haley and Brandy unloading

more unloading

the crowd

Brian Holt of 8 Lives Spent on drums

Brandy of 8 Lives Spent on guitar

Brandy of 8 Lives Spent

Joe of 8 Lives Spent on bass

Rob of 8 Lives Spent on guitar

Haley @ the Merch Table

Tom Fitzgerald

Brent Woodall and Naches Trace

some happy guys @ the bar who wanted their pic taken

Tom Fitzgerald talking to Jim Justice, ownder of the Virginia Brewing Company

Tom and Amber

legendary guitarist Michael Fath

8 Lives Spent's studio (Brian Holt, Cheryl Holt and Brian Buriff)

Thanks guys! It was an awesome weekend!

This is HUGE!

2008-11-18T10:04:00.000-05:00

I love it when people go to the Rez or hear about it, get a vision for what can happen, and then take the imitative to make it happen. Our friends, 8 Lives Spent, a rock band from Winchester, VA have been strong supporters of the Lakota people for a long time. Last year they made incredible sacrifices to come to Cincy and play at Rezonate '08. They have not only donated their time and talent but have donated 2 custom designed Dean guitars to Backpacks for Pine Ridge. These guys just don't stop giving ... and they're not stopping yet. On January 10th they have put together a benefit concert at the Virginia Brewing Company with all of the proceeds going to purchase electric space heaters for the Lakota people. If you are anywhere near Winchester, please come out and see this show. It's going to be a night of great music and fun and all for a good cause. Backpacks For Pine Ridge will be there to start things off with a presentation about the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Click the poster for a larger view

Rezonate Music Fest Volunteer Position

2008-11-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

We regret that we are losing a valuable member of our planning team this year. One of our crew is likely going to be moving out of state and we will miss her - a lot.

SO, if you are really good at contacting media (newspapers, event magazines, TV, radio, etc.) and want to help out contact Amber at AmberBuriff@aol.com ASAP.

Your commitment will require you to attend a planning meeting once about once a month (no more than once - sometimes we meet ever other month), to be on hand the day of the event (Aug. 15, 2009), and to contact various media sources to promote the event through advertising, interviews, etc.

If you're up for it, let us know. We begin meeting in earnest in January 2009.

Got Socks?

2008-11-06T09:55:00.000-05:00

If you're wearing socks, prepare to have the knocked off. This is a slideshow of Eliot Sloan of Blessid Union of Souls singing at Rezonate '08 this past August. If you missed it, all I can say is, wow, you really missed it. If you were there, then you will remember this. Look for Rezonate Music Fest again next year on August 15, 2009,

PowWow

2008-10-23T12:33:00.000-04:00

Come out and see us at the Harvest Moon PowWow

Nov. 1 & 2

Princeton Rd
Fairfield Township, OH

Nov. 1, 2008
12 noon - 8 pm - Grand Entry @ 2pm

Nov. 2, 2008
11am - 4pm - Grand Entry @ noon

They're Here ...

2008-10-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

I was sitting here a moment ago when my doorbell rang. It was the UPS guy letting us know that he had 19 boxes to be unloaded ... and where did we want them?

Its the backpacks! 500 of them!

The school supplies are here, the backpacks are here, now all that's left to do is fill them and box them up.

Be looking for info about the annual Backpack Packing Event and how you can help!

The Great Pumpkin Fest

2008-09-25T10:52:00.000-04:00

Backpacks for Pine Ridge will be at The Great Pumpkin Fest so stop by our booth and say hi.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

2 to 6 p.m.

Keehner Park,

Barrett Road

Join the fun of this traditional fall festival featuring a costume contest, a not-so-scary haunted trail, a pumpkin patch, horse and wagon rides, music, food, and more in the beautiful wooded setting of Keehner Park. This is a free event.

REZonate Music Fest 2009!

2008-09-16T10:59:00.000-04:00

The date for Rezonate Music Fest 2009 is Saturday, August 15, 2009 @ Voice of America!

REZonate '08!

2008-08-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

Rezonate was a big success! The bands were all amazing, the food good and everyone had a great time! Best of all, $1,700.00 was raised for Backpacks For Pine Ridge! We will be taking 500 backpacks to the children at Pine Ridge Reservation for the 2009 school year! That's 150 more than this year!

Thanks to all who came out and supported us.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who did an AWESOME job! You made a difference!

And last but definately not least, thanks to an FANTASTIC team who put in hours and hours of work to make this event happen. You guys ROCK!

A Note from the Volunteer Coordinator for REZonate '08

2008-08-08T09:31:00.000-04:00

If I have already contacted you to set up your time to work and your duties at the concert, then disregard this email.

I made a round of phone calls to all of you last night. Some of you were at church when I called. I need to hear from you NO LATER than Saturday night if you have NOT signed up for a time to work at REZonate '08.

Here are the times available:

Fri. 6pm-10pm - Setting up tents, tables, chairs and possibly the stage. NEED MANY MORE FOR THIS!
Sat. 7am-10am - Helpers to set up sound equipment and do last minute jobs like putting water in coolers with ice... etc.
Sat. 10am-2pm; 2pm-6pm and 6pm-10pm - 4 hour shifts - Parking lot attendants, booth workers, Trash/Clean-up Crew, Volunteer attendants (to help pass out water/food etc.), band security and band assistance and more... Please CALL me to sign up for one of these jobs as some are filled up.
Sat. night 10pm - ??? WE NEED MANY MORE who are willing to stick around after the concert to help us take all the equipment down and get it back to where it goes. People with pick-up trucks, we need you.
Sun. 1pm - we may need people with pick-up trucks to take tables, chairs and tents back where they belong depending on the hour in which we get it loaded up on Sat. night. If its super late, we may store it at VOA and take it back on Sun. ???

PLEASE, Please call me or email me to let me know when you can work!

New Video for Backpacks For Pine Ridge

2008-07-19T16:37:00.000-04:00

Let us know what you think.

Thanks Gary for the beautiful Flier

2008-07-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

Click for a larger view

Food Vendors Include:

The Cone

Gold Star Chili

Papa Johns Pizza

Beautiful Giving

2008-07-09T15:25:00.000-04:00

The doorbell rang a bit ago and as I opened the door the UPS guy was leaving. There was a small box on my doorstep so I brought it inside wondering what in the world it might be. I don't remember ordering anything recently.

The box was a beauty supply box. Strange, I was sure I didn't order any beauty supplies.(might need to do that though) The box was addressed to me so I cut it open and dug through the packaging.

And there in the bottom of the box was a bag of school supplies. Some glue, pen, pencils, erasers and rulers - all EXACTLY what I have asked for. A note was attached by someone in Pittsburgh, PA apologizing for not being able to give more.

Amazing. Just amazing.

I love it when CEO's of big companies get on board as they have this week, but I am completely touched all the way to the bottom of my heart when a complete stranger gives all they can afford to give.

Its appropriate that the package came in a beauty supply box. That kind of giving is indeed beautiful.

Guitar Petting Zoo!

2008-06-30T17:07:00.000-04:00

More news about Rezonate '08...

Moeller Muisc is sponsoring the event and will be there the day of the concert with a Guitar Petting Zoo! How cool is that!

If you're in the Middletown or West Chester area, stop in and see them!

Click it for the Kids

2008-06-25T00:28:00.000-04:00

Got a minute? Here is a quick and easy way to help us help the kids at Pine Ridge and it won't cost you a penny. Click here to go to the DoSomething.org site and then click on the Projects page. Type in Backpacks For Pine Ridge in the "find a project" box and then vote for us!

Easy as can be and it can help us get the word out ... and that means more help for the kids.

Performing @ Rezonate '08, August 16 @ VOA Park

2008-06-11T17:33:00.001-04:00

Here is the most current list of bands performing at Rezonate '08

Eliot Sloan of Blessid Union of Souls (performing with Brian White)
Brian White - 2 time Dove Award winner
Bill Whyte from the B105 morning show
David Wolfenberger
The Winners Circle
Kinsey Rose
SOHIO
Gary Histsman (former frontman for Distant Rail)
8 Lives Spent
Spirit Dog
Jenah Ross
The Beneath

Another Class Act

2008-06-11T08:53:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to say that our latest addition to the bands/artist playing at Rezonte '08 is Eliot Sloan of Blessid Union of Souls.

Eliot will be performing alongside two-time Dove Award winner, Brian White!

Info about when bands will take the stage will be coming soon.

New Web Site!

2008-06-06T19:58:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to announce our new web site at

www.BackpacksForPineRidge.com

In the future this blog will be used to keep our supporters updated about what is happening with Backpacks for Pine Ridge.

The "Backpack Truck"

2008-05-30T17:21:00.000-04:00

If I remember correctly, it was somewhere around 2006 that I decided not to take backpacks to the Rez that year. The kids seemed especially grabby and unappreciative in 2005 and I felt like maybe it had come to be an expectation for them and that maybe it would be better to not take backpacks for a year. We would resume the backpack project in 2007.

Then the time grew closer for our trip and I felt increasingly unsure that we were doing the right thing. A month before leaving I changed my mind about taking the backpacks and frantically went about doing whatever I could do to pull 150 backpacks and school supplies together quickly. It was crazy. We had not done any fundraising for it so somehow we had to come up with around $1,800.00 and fast. Not to mention all the shopping and packing that had to be done plus the regular trip preparations. Some weren't sure we could do it. Most thought I was crazy. But thanks to the board at our church who lent us the money until we could raise it, and thanks to some VERY generous people at Winton Rd. First Church of God, we did it.

The first day on the Rez we went to pick up kids at the village and bring them to the mission for lunch and games and VBS. That is a day I will never forget. One little boy was very familiar to us. He was the angriest 7 year-old I had ever encountered. The first year on the Rez he brought a knife and attempted to stab another child. The same day we had to disarm him again, this time he had a cigarette lighter he was trying to burn another kid with. When those attempts failed him, he picked up a large rock to throw at another child. In all the times I had been on the Rez I never once saw this boy when he didn't have a scowl on his face. I don't believe I had ever seen him smile. Privately I wondered what would become of him as he grew older.

When I would pick the kids up I would always let this little boy "drive" the van. Sitting on my lap and holding the steering wheel was one small way he could feel special for a few minutes and the deserted roads of the reservation were a good for that. Our first day on the Rez in 2006 I drove the van around the village picking up kids and then let this little guy take the wheel. As we rounded the corner and headed for the mission he saw the Ryder truck we drove out and for the first time that I had ever heard, expressed excitement saying, "Oh cool! The backpack truck is here".

I hate to think what it would have been like to tell that little boy that we had not brought the backpacks. I don't think I could have done it. I do know that I will never again go to the Rez without backpacks and school supplies.

I Love it When a Lot of People Pull Together

2008-04-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

Not to get me wrong, I love BIG donations to Backpacks For Pine Ridge too, but I just love it when a lot of people pull together in small ways to make things happen.

Today was weird ... I got the following messages/mail.A letter from England with a check for Backpacks for Pine Ridge. England?? Now that is strange enough but this is even stranger .... he said he read about us in True West magazine. I have no idea what or who or where True West magazine is or how in the world we got in it, but we're apparently in it and they must have my home address because the check came to my house. Weird. But wonderful.

I also got a message from a friend on the Backpacks myspace saying that the auto repair shop she works for in Tacoma, WA has set out a donation jar for us. How cool is that? Yeah, it may be pocket change but hey, it all adds up.

Good things are happening.

Vote For Our Friends in the Fox Rocks DC Contest

2008-04-25T08:47:00.000-04:00

One of the bands that will be performing at Rezonate '08 is the rock band 8 Lives Spent from the DC area. They are currently competing in the Fox Rocks DC contest on the Fox TV affiliate in DC. Since these guys are not only a great band, but great guys and are doing so much to help out Backpacks for Pine Ridge, I'm asking you to take a moment of your time and go vote for them. Its easy, just follow this picture link, take a minute or two to sign up, and then vote. You can go back and vote once a day and if you have more than one email address then you can sign up with each of them and vote once a day for each email address.

Exciting News!!

2008-03-10T14:05:00.000-04:00

Joe Jones of 8 Lives Spent is designing a custom Dean guitar expecially for Rezonate '08!

Joe will be playing it at Rezonate '08 and then auctioning it off at the event to some lucky winner!

The design is being kept under wraps but it is going to be very cool! I have a feeling you will want this guitar even if you don't play. I want it and I don't play.

Come out and see the guitar on August 16th at VOA Park and place a bid!

Many thanks Joe!

Congrats to Our Friend Brian White!

2008-03-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

A BIG congratulations are in order to our friend Brian White. Brian's song "Watching You" has been nominated for "Song of the Year" and "Video of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music! The song has already been awarded Country Music's Most Played Song of 1007 and has won "Song of the Year" at the SESAC Awards.

We are SO happy for you Brian!
Read About it Here

Brian will be performing at Rezonate '08 to help out the kids at Pine Ridge Reservation on August 16 at the Voice of America Park. Now everybody - go tell him congratulations!

Why Do We Do This Again???

2008-02-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

After all of the pressure and stress I've experienced putting together Rezonate '08, I've found myself wondering why in the world we do this.

The answer is actually pretty simple - because we can.

Giving each child on the Pine Ridge Reservation a new backpack filled with school supplies each year may seem like a big goal, but its a doable one. Yes the amount of money and effort is pretty intimating when you have to start from scratch each year, but looking at the big picture, $50,000.00 isn't really that much money. If we all work together, we can make it happen.

So for me, the questions is not why do we do it, but why not?

If it is in our power to do something then why not do it? It seems to me that you need a reason not to do it more than you need a reason to do it.

~ Amber

The Beauty of Rezonate '08

2008-02-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

I thought I would check in and let everyone know what the vision is for Rezonate '08 and how it all came to be.

Last year I was working with John L. and Josh H. when I happened to mention that I would love to have a "Rock fest" ... and that I had something unusual in mind.

Rather than doing the typical church singing, I wanted to have an all-day concert somewhere in the middle of our fair city ... somewhere where we could draw people from all sorts of various backgrounds. I was thinking how cool it would be if people who rarely ever, or maybe never ever, get together could come together, tear down walls that divide and at the same time help out some of our Nation's poorest children. Somehow I think God would be glorified in that.

With that in mind, the idea was to invite different kinds of bands... some country, some rock, some acoustic, some folk, some Christian, and some decidedly not. The point being that non-believers will rarely if ever come to a church for anything. And besides, Jesus never told us to invite them to come to a church - he told us to go out to where they are. If we want to hang out with these folks, we have to have a neutral place to do it and not be afraid (or too pious) to listen to the kind of music they listen to. Jesus had a similar idea once when he hung out with people from all walks of life. He was criticized mightily for it by the religious leaders of his day. I suspect there will be some "Christians" today who will not understand what we are doing. That's OK. We're not doing it for them. The reason we are doing it, is to live out Jesus' words to "Love God and Love People".

So I began the process of finding a venue. Not an easy task. I had the door slammed in my face a few times - sometimes politely and sometimes not. Finally, when it seemed all hope was gone, I got a call from a friend who put me in touch with another friend, who put me in touch with yet another friend of theirs. I made the call and within hours we had a venue that was beyond what we had originally hoped for - The Voice of America Park! VOA park is has the room for an event like this (if its good enough for President Bush to speak at, its good enough for us), its location is right off of I-75 and most everyone knows where it is because its a huge piece of Southern Ohio history.

Then the bands started signing on. Bands from 3 different states have expressed interest. Some are willing to drive 1000 miles round trip at their own expense - and all because they believe if what we're doing and want to help. Amazing.

Then we had a professional artist volunteer to do our logos and promotional materials. As you can see from our logo and from the Rezonate '08 logo, he did an amazing job!

The team came together in late November and began working on the nuts and bolts of this event. They too are all volunteering their time and talent to make this concert happen. And I am continually blown away by how many people will give their time to an idea.

Yes, God is doing something. He has brought so many talented amazing people together and I have to believe that he has something up his sleeve that is going to be just beautiful.

~ Amber

Benefit Concert in the Works

2007-04-06T04:40:00.000-04:00

See Rezonate08.com for more info.!

Images of Pine Ridge Reservation

2007-04-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

How To Donate

2007-03-31T13:28:00.000-04:00

We now have two ways to donate. You may make an online donation through PayPal by clicking on the button on the sidebar. When you give online your gift is not tax deductible because the account is not set up as a registered charity. It is just to expensive for us to go through the process of becoming a tax exempt organization when we have other options available.

You may still make a donation that is tax deductible by mailing a check made out to Winton Rd. First Church of God. Just make your check out to Winton Rd. First Church of God and write "Backpacks For Pine Ridge" in the memo section of the check. Our mailing address is:

Backpacks for Pine Ridge

6468 Kimberly Drive

Hamilton, OH 45011

Either way you choose to donate be assured that 100% of the money raised will go directly toward providing backpacks filled with school supplies to the Oglala Lakota Sioux children on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

We collect supplies/funds all year long.