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Bands rock out to raise funds for Akron Children’s Hospital
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Gary Markasky, former lead guitarist for the Michael Stanley Band, plays with his band, The Gary Markasky Project, for Rock for Kids 2014 at the Magic Tree Pub & Eatery in Boardman. All proceeds from Sunday’s event will go toward Akron Children’s Hospital.
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
When she was 7 or 8, Noelle Migliozzi accidentally spilled a pan of boiling water on herself, which resulted in a severe burn to her chest and a stay at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren.
Today, however, the 15-year-old Noelle attends Mathews High School and loves playing softball and volleyball. And perhaps most importantly, she’s able to live a normal life with few lingering effects of the accident — something for which her father, Jimmi Migliozzi, is grateful.
Much of her recovery is thanks to the efforts of Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, where she was transferred for follow-up treatment.
As a means of thanking Akron Children’s Hospital, Migliozzi and his band, The Huckin’ Fillbillys, performed during Sunday’s Rock for Kids 2014 gathering at the Magic Tree Pub & Eatery, 7463 South Ave.
“She has minimal damage and no scars,” Migliozzi said proudly.
His band was one of nine to have taken part in the all-day music fest, which was to raise money for next week’s three-day Miracles and Promises Radiothon on behalf of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, noted Joann Stock, Akron Children’s development director.
The radiothon, in its sixth year, is set for 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on WKBN-AM 570 and Mix 98.9. The first five programs brought in roughly $750,000 for the hospital, Stock explained, who added that all proceeds stay in the Valley.
The other eight bands that performed in Sunday’s first Rock for Kids were Army of 2, Christine Witt & Bobby Fritz, Fetish, Glitter Pig, Graphic Pink, Haymaker, No Xcuse and The Gary Markasky Project. Markasky was a lead guitarist with the Michael Stanley Band.
The eatery was filled with the sounds of rock ’n’ roll as the bands played one-hour sets each. All of the musicians volunteered for the event, said Migliozzi, vocalist for the 10-year-old Huckin’ Fillbillys.
Also grateful to Akron Children’s Hospital is Gregg Horvat of Canfield, the bass player for Glitter Pig.
“She’s a perfectly normal 4-year-old,” said Horvat, referring to his daughter, Elliana, who was born about three months prematurely.
Largely because of the facility’s Boardman location, the girl has no growth delays and the family was able to enjoy “a successful homecoming” thanks to the caring staff, her father continued.
Horvat and his wife, Sherri, also are Rock for Kids committee co-chairpersons. Sherri Horvat is a secretary with Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.
“Their story touched me and we’ve stayed close,” said Stock, who explained that she found out from Sherri about Gregg’s band.
Stock also praised the committee for its hard work for the past several months. In addition, the effort has recruited new volunteers for Akron Children’s, she continued.
The Rock for Kids event also featured plenty of food and prizes, along with a 50/50 raffle, auctions and a 21-and-over gathering.