Rock for Ronnie!
- Michael Caro
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Ronnie James Dio supported several causes during his lifetime; gastric cancer wasn’t on the radar until it took him. Grief over his passing manifested in donations that ultimately created the Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. On May 31st at the grounds of the Autry Museum, the Rock for Ronnie concert in the park was enjoyed.
This charity has provided over $2 million to research programs that have developed new testing protocols to detect gastric cancer through saliva and/or blood. One knows where the money is going when they give to this Charity with 501 (c) status. The Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund sponsors several fundraising events: Rock for Ronnie; Bowl for Ronnie; and Ride for Ronnie!
Rock for Ronnie was a blast. The day was spent jamming to rock, metal, and other headbanging fuel. The day kicked off with Saints of Sinners, led by Joel Soto. This three-man band had prepped the crowd for what was coming. The day unfolded into a rock-and-roll explosion on the Gene Autry Park grounds! Whole Lotta Rosies delivered a rousing set, Dio Disciples, Led Zepagain, and Legs Diamond showed off decades of mastery. Jason Charles Miller and his band swaggered onto the stage and gave everyone a taste of his special brand of storytelling.
During the day, there were a few breaks, including introductions to Wendy Dio, who co-founded the fund in 2010, a talk by Dr. David Wong, who is working on breakthroughs in testing for gastric cancer, and a silent auction. A standout auction item was the signed guitar by Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler. MC Eddie Trunk kept the momentum going throughout the event.
Lita Ford was a special treat, and she came to play, grabbing the audience by the throat and not letting go until the end of her set. Artisan booths, along with food and beverage offerings, kept the crowd quenched during this summer day.
You don’t have to wait for an event to give to the fund. Feel free to donate.
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