Benefit Concert and Silent Auction

Featuring CYPRESS HILL at the House of Blues Chicago
July 25, 2008

On Friday, July 25th, 2008, Platform One Entertainment hosted Dare 2 Dream at the House of Blues Chicago featuring multi-platinum international act Cypress Hill that raised funding and major awareness for The Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, a not-for-profit committed to creating, supporting, and sustaining effective strategies to END homelessness in Chicago.

Over the course of a year, between 2.3 and 3.5 million people experience homelessness nationwide and approximately 166,000 people experience homelessness in the Chicago Metropolitan area.

The Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness' vision is that all individuals and families facing homelessness in Chicago must and will have access to safe, decent, affordable housing with the resources and support needed to support their home. The formation of The Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness and the creation of the Chicago Plan to End Homelessness represent a paradigm shift in the provision of homeless services­ from managing the problem of homelessness with emergency shelters, soup kitchens and other temporary assistance to ending homelessness through the provision of permanent housing to those experiencing homelessness. There are now over 300 plans to end homelessness in the U.S., but Chicago is the first major city in the country with a plan endorsed by its mayor.

Of particular concern is Chicago's homeless youth. Chicago Public Schools reported 3,600 homeless teens attended 8th through 12th grades in 2007, a 180% increase in two years. Few homeless youth are housed in emergency shelters due to a lack of shelter beds for youth and shelter admission policies. Because of their age, Chicago's homeless youth have few legal means by which they can earn enough money to meet basic needs. Many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is their only chance of survival on the streets. In turn, Chicago's homeless youth are at a greater risk of contracting AIDS or HIV-related illnesses. Homeless adolescents often suffer from severe anxiety and depression, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem. Furthermore, they face difficulties attending school because of legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, improper records, and lack of transportation. As a result, Chicago's homeless youth face severe challenges in obtaining an education and supporting themselves emotionally and financially. Proceeds from the event directly benefited The Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness' programs that pursue advocacy initiatives for homeless youth at the state and federal level, work towards securing additional funding for youth services, and help homeless youth find jobs & housing.

Multi-platinum hip-hop icons Cypress Hill headlined this meaningful benefit event. Over the course of their 19-year history, Cypress Hill has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, including more than 9 million records in the U.S. alone. The group has garnered 14 multi-platinum, platinum, and gold certifications, has appeared on notable tours and shows such as Lollapalooza, Woodstock, Rock the Bells, and has been featured on "Saturday Night Live," among other well-known commercial shows, all the while breaking down the musical and cultural barriers between hip-hop, alternative, metal, rock, reggae, ska and Latin music. To this day, many of Cypress Hill's hits remain on active rotation and are a staple act on the world's foremost hip-hop, rock and alternative radio stations.

This important event featured performances by popular and emerging Chicago songwriters and artists. The event also hosted a silent auction where VIPs, fans & attendees bid on many one-of-a-kind music, sports, and entertainment merchandise and memorabilia.

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