The Night That Keeps Growing: A Decade of Rock for Charity and the Heart Behind It 

It started small in 2014—just a group of Beverly Hills neighbors who wanted to throw a great party and uplift a cause that hit close to home. 

Sandra Hamady and Kari Silcox staged the first event in beloved Beverly Park, complete with picnic tables and plastic tablecloths. They convinced Sandra’s husband, Mark Hamady, to sing with his band (first “The Instigators,” then “Spider Monkey,” and now the legendary Liquor Chicken)—just once. 
That “one and done” gig? 

Eleven years later, he’s still grinning behind the microphone. 
That first night wasn’t fancy, but it was electric. People danced, laughed, and left feeling less alone. Word spread quickly. By the next summer, everyone was already asking the same question: 
“We’re doing it again… right?” 
And just like that, a tradition was born. 
 
Choosing a Cause That Matters 
When Beverly Hills families shared the urgent fundraising needs of the brand-new GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, the choice was instant and unanimous: 
Every penny raised would go directly to the Playhouse, keeping programs 100% free for local families. 
In 2017, Rock for Charity officially chose GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit as its beneficiary—and we remain endlessly grateful they haven’t looked back. 

For those who may not know, GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit is a Down syndrome achievement center offering free, research-based, life-changing programs from birth through adulthood, including: 
• Free educational tutoring 
• Free speech- and occupational therapy–inspired programs 
• Free fitness programs 
• Free career development & adult life skills training 
• A welcoming, joyful community for the whole family 
GiGi’s exists so individuals with Down syndrome can grow, learn, and thrive—without cost ever being a barrier. 
 
The Lineup That Keeps Getting Louder 
The band lineup has evolved over the years and continues to pack the house. Alongside Liquor Chicken, the stage has welcomed: 
• The Hood, bringing unmistakable energy 
• 13 Crooks, who have been bringing the house down since 2023 
As attendance grew, so did the venues. Rock for Charity outgrew Beverly Park and moved through several spaces—from Knights of Columbus (Berkley) to Lafayette Grande Ballroom (Pontiac)—before finding its longest-running home at Plum Hollow Country Club in 2023. 
 
The Moment That Changed Everything 
Without question, the most unforgettable moment came in 2020. 
That was the year when Luke Tyrrell—tambourine player, hype-man, and proud GiGi’s Playhouse Self-Advocate—stepped into the spotlight. He took center stage to deliver a spirited rendition of Van Halen’s “Jump.” 
He brought down the house. 
He lived his dream. 
And he started an annual tradition that continues to electrify the event year after year. 
For many people, Rock for Charity stopped being “just a concert” that night. 
They weren’t just coming for the music anymore—they were coming for Luke, for the joy he brings, and for the message that sits at the heart of everything GiGi’s does: INCLUSION ROCKS. 
 
A Neighborhood Idea Turned Detroit Phenomenon 
What began as one neighborhood’s backyard idea now fills the room with guests from all over Metro Detroit. Volunteers who once danced in the crowd now run the show. Families who first came seeking support now return to give it. 

That’s the magic that Sandra, Kari, Mark, the bands (who generously donate their time and talent), and countless Beverly Hills neighbors built: incredible Detroit music, unbreakable community generosity, and every dollar going exactly where it’s needed most—straight into the Playhouse on 12 Mile Road. 
Their support keeps the lights on, keeps tutors funded, and keeps GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit’s doors open to individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood. 

This is what GiGi’s Playhouse stands for: 
Real people showing up for real people. 
Joy loud enough to change minds. 
Generosity powerful enough to change lives. 
 
Join Us for the 10th Anniversary Rock for Charity! 
🎸 Saturday, January 24, 2026 
🕖 Doors open at 7:00 p.m. 
📍 Plum Hollow Country Club 

Tickets go fast (they always do), so grab yours soon and come dance for a cause that keeps growing. 
Because around here, one reluctant singer and his talented friends, one fearless kid living his dream on stage, and one determined neighborhood have proven something incredible— 
year after year after year. 
We’ll see you at Plum Hollow. 
Luke’s ready to sing again, and we’ve saved you a spot on the dance floor. 
 
Want to Help Keep This Mission Strong? 
GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit is 100% donor-funded, and nights like Rock for Charity make it possible for families to receive life-changing programs at no cost. 

If you’d like to support this mission, you can: 
👉 Become an event sponsor 
Align your business with a night of music, joy, and inclusion—while directly supporting local families. 
👉 Make a donation 
Every dollar goes toward free educational, therapeutic, and career readiness programs. 
👉 Get involved 

Volunteer, attend future events, or learn more about our year-round programming. 
To sponsor or donate, please contact us at Detroit@gigisplayhouse.org. 

Your support ensures GiGi’s Playhouse remains a home of hope, achievement, and belonging for years to come.