DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 6, 2021) — Tyed Together 2021 will be a day of family fun where folks can listen to local youth bands and have fun learning how to tie-dye shirts themselves. The event will be held 10AM-2PM, Saturday, July 10, at the Freight House Farmers' Market (421 W River Dr, Davenport).
Funds raised will go to the HAVlife™ Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization based in the Quad Cities. HAVlife™ helps young people to participate in activities they usually wouldn’t be able to afford. Funds raised at the event will pay for kids’ music lessons and instruments.
Mama Bosso Pizza of Rock Island, Illinois, has organized and sponsored Tyed Together for the third year. Scott Florence, owner of local frozen pizza company Mama Bosso, has seen the impact music can have on young people. “I had two boys grow up in our local music scene and play music in school,” said Scott. “I believe this experience can have a hugely positive impact in our local kids, families, community, and music.”
“I’m honored that Mama Bosso Pizza and Tyed Together once again are combining forces to help kids and show their support for the foundation,” said Mike Vondran, CEO of TAG Communications and founder of the HAVlife™ Foundation.
The event also doubles as a youth band showcase for young talent to gain performance experience. The following bands will perform at Tyed Together 2021: 10AM, Taze Wilson; 10:45AM, Nonetheless; 11:30AM, Strictly Business; 12:15PM, Tell Tale Heart; and 1PM, Ariel McReynolds.
Besides the live music, the main event is free tie-dye, provided by Mama Bosso. “We bring all the materials, and provide simple instructions,” said Scott. “We accept donations, but we wanted to keep the event totally free so there are no barriers for parents to bring their families down to the event. All you need is a white t-shirt.” T-shirts will also be sold at the event by the event’s sponsors, as well as the youth bands. In addition to donations and t-shirts, proceeds from the Streets of Italy woodfire pizza food truck will be donated to the HAVlife™ Foundation.
Helping Young People to Fulfill Their Dreams
Ages 10 to 15 are special years for young people, when the dreams and ambitions of childhood develop into the achievements of adulthood. But for some, financial burdens and life’s obstacles can crush their dreams and block their ambitions. These young people are at risk of entering adulthood filled with doubt and frustration.
Truly, there is great sadness in the loss of such incredible potential. That is why Preventing Lost Potential™ has been named as the foundation’s primary goal. “HAVlife™ works to keep young people active and engaged,” said Kimberly Guy, President of the HAVlife™ Foundation.
The foundation was founded in 2007 in the memory of Hunter Aaron Vondran, who died at age 13 as the result of an accident. His family — father Mike Vondran, mother Brenda and older brother Baron — chose to honor Hunter’s memory through service to the community.
The HAVlife™ Foundation has been providing support to at-risk youth for 14 years. In that time, the organization has given more than a million dollars to assist more than 10,000 young people throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. HAVlife™ has three chapters of service: Quad Cities, Tri-States (Dubuque), and Johnson County (Iowa City). The organization supports schools and organizations with grants, encouraging youth to participate in the areas of music, arts, and athletics — fields of endeavor once enjoyed by young Hunter.
Since HAVlife™ was first established, it has grown considerably, thanks to community support. The foundation has held many events to raise both funds and public awareness. These events include the Hunter Classic and the Martini Shake Off™.
“HAVlife™ fills a void in our community by helping more young people to participate in the activities they love,” said Kimberly. “We hope to see plenty of folks at Tyed Together event to support youth in our community. This is the first of many upcoming HAVlife™ events in the near future.”
To contact the HAVlife™ Foundation, call 563-676-1830 or e-mail kimg@havlife.org. You can visit the HAVlife™ Foundation online at www.havlife.org.
