"Summer Crush 2011" (3rd Annual) All-Ages Benefit Concert Aug. 21 to Benefit The Matthews Foundation

BEL AIR, Md., Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released today by the Matthews Foundation:

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh//DC52492)

WHAT:  All-ages Benefit Concert to Support Matthews Foundation and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. In loving memory of Anthony J. Constantino

WHEN:  Sunday, Aug. 21, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:   Looney's Pub - 312 S. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014

DETAILS:  The Baltimore area's most popular bands, performers and celebrities will join together Aug. 21 at Looney's Pub in Bel Air, Md. for an all-ages benefit concert to raise awareness of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and raise funds for the Matthews Foundation.  

Among the day's events will be performances by top Baltimore bands Crushing Day, Thrill, Faded Image and Under the Covers, as well as special performances by youth bands and musicians including Miranda & Anna Ripken (daughters of former Oriole Billy Ripken) and The Never Ending Fall.  The day's events will be hosted and emceed by popular local comedian and Baltimore radio personality Mickey Cucchiella.  There will also be a silent auction and raffles throughout the day.

This event is open to all ages and begins at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21.  A $20 donation at the door for adults provides all-day admission; children will be admitted free with an adult donation.  All proceeds from the event go directly to benefit the Mathews Foundation and the family of Anthony J. Constantino.

"It's been nearly 9 years since my brother Anthony lost his battle with leukemia," says Jim McFaul, member of the band Crushing Day.  "Much has changed but the spirit of my brother's heart and determination continues to live in the lives of all that he touched. His memory pushes my family and I to do better and to do more. No words could begin to explain how much he is loved and missed, or how much sadness is felt that he cannot be here to see his daughter Olivia grow and to share the fullness of life that he gave."

About the Matthews Foundation:

The Matthews Foundation (http://www.matthewsfoundation.org/) was founded in 2008 by Jennifer Daly, John Valenti and Lisa Russell.  In 2006, Jennifer's son Matthew was diagnosed with ALL. John Valenti's son, Matthew, was also diagnosed with ALL a few months later. Shortly thereafter, the families (and the two Matthew's) met in the playroom at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and became great friends. Our last co-founder, Lisa Russell, witnessed her father-in-law's lost battle with Leukemia.  Our experiences have compelled us to act; we formed The Matthews Foundation in their honor to give back to the community by helping children and their families in the same situation.

Related Web sites:  

Matthews Foundation:  www.matthewsfoundation.org

Crushing Day:  http://www.crushingday.com

Looney's Pub:  http://www.looneyspubmd.com/index.html

SOURCE Matthews Foundation