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UNCW Entrepreneurs Try New Idea to Save a Stranger’s Life

A group of UNCW entrepreneurs have organized a one of a kind charity event aimed at saving a child’s life. The event features a benefit concert led by the band Rehab, an amateur pro skate contest, and an artist exhibition, all in one day.

WILMINGTON, NC – MARCH 6, 2009 – A group of young entrepreneurs have teamed up with Gift of Life International to raise the thousands of dollars necessary to treat a child dying from a terminal heart disorder. Surprisingly, they are using music, art, and extreme sports to reach their goal.

A group of UNCW graduates has stepped forward and created a unique charity event as the main source of funding to pay for this dying child’s medical needs. They plan to raise thousands of dollars to bring this child from his home in The Republic of Uganda to North Carolina for the proper diagnoses and life saving treatment he desperately needs.

The event, dubbed “Live for Life,” will be held on April 4^th, 2009 at Ogden Park off of Gordon Rd. in Wilmington. It includes a multiple band concert led by Rehab (“Bartender Song”) and followed by Almost Kings, Kepteclectic, Psycho Rainbow, and I-Junk. “What’s better than going to concert and helping save a kid’s life at the same time?” asks Chris Kluesener, Promotions Director for the event. “Even in our first year, we’ve attracted such talented bands that it proves how worthy this cause really is” Kluesener continues. In addition to the concert, everyone in attendance will enjoy an amateur pro team skate competition to be held on a skate park built exclusively for the event. Teams of three will be made up of sponsored skaters from all over the South East, all competing for bragging rights and to show their support for the cause.

Spectators will also have the privilege to witness the artist exhibition happening live alongside the concert and competition. A crew of fifteen artists from all over North Carolina will each paint a separate mural piece throughout the day, with the final pieces going to auction afterwards. The money generated from the auction goes to the child’s donation.

In addition to saving a child’s life, this event was designed to help support North Carolina businesses, musicians, athletes, and artists, who are all struggling during these difficult economic times.

About Gift of Life:

Gift of Life International, founded in 1975, is a non-profit organization with a vast global network of people dedicated to finding and helping children with terminal heart conditions. The country of Uganda lacks the necessary medical technology to perform certain cardiac life saving treatments, and as a result has become an area of interest for GOL. This particular child’s family doesn’t have the money to send their child abroad for life saving treatment, and therefore we are his only hope.

About Thrust:

Thrust is an event development company that originally started out producing surf/skate clothing. Founded in 2003 by a group of UNC Wilmington alumni, they specialize in unique and innovative action sports, music, or art related events and promotions, and have prior experience working with non-profit organizations and local municipalities for charity causes. For tickets or to donate directly to Gift of Life, please visit www.thrustclothing.com.

Contact:

Chris Kluesener, Promotions Director

Thrust Worldwide LLC

20 B Channel Avenue

Wrightsville Beach NC, 28480

(631) 375-0865

Chris@thrustclothing.com