Yoko Ono Lennon Teams Up With Hard Rock And WhyHunger To "Imagine" a Future Free From Hunger

8th Annual IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER Campaign Raises Awareness and Funds Globally

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Nov 02, 2015, 01:15 ET

Hard Rock International Logo.

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock is kicking off the season of giving by helping to nourish children and families worldwide with IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER. Inspired by John Lennon and his iconic song "IMAGINE," the global campaign strives to turn his dream of a world with no hunger into a reality. For the eighth year, Yoko Ono Lennon joins Hard Rock International and WhyHunger in support of that mission. Proceeds from Hard Rock's campaign will directly benefit WhyHunger and its grassroots partners worldwide, working to advance long-term solutions to hunger and poverty by supporting community-based organizations that empower individuals and build self-reliance.

"Hard Rock's IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER campaign challenges us to help change the lives of hungry children and families all across the globe," said Yoko Ono Lennon. "Together, we can work to create a hunger-free existence for all, and realize the peaceful world my husband, John Lennon, envisioned."

With Hard Rock's support through the years, IMAGINE has helped communities grow enough food to provide more than 9.8 million nutritious meals in 31 countries. The campaign has supported programs that taught more than 47,800 community members techniques for sustained food production and has raised more than $6.8 million to help fight childhood hunger.

"Through the IMAGINE campaign, we are taking action and fighting for the worldwide human right to nutritious food," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International and Global Ambassador for WhyHunger. "With the help of all of our guests, Yoko Ono Lennon and the team at WhyHunger, we can make a difference with real, sustainable solutions."

"We have seen firsthand the impact teaching young people how to grow their own food can have on families and communities around the globe," said Noreen Springstead, Executive Director, WhyHunger. "Together with our partners Yoko Ono Lennon and Hard Rock International, we can meet our goals and help raise millions to end worldwide hunger and poverty."

Show Your Support
True to Hard Rock's mottos, "Love All - Serve All" and "Take Time to be Kind," philanthropy has been the soul of the brand since its founding in 1971, and now guests can join in the fight against childhood hunger and poverty. Beginning on Monday, November 2, 2015, Hard Rock will offer limited-edition IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER merchandise, including a bracelet and T-shirt. For a $2 donation, guests can choose from an assortment of colored bracelets with 100 percent of funds raised benefiting WhyHunger. Additionally, 15 percent of the retail price of the IMAGINE T-shirt, which features the inspiring words "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER" alongside a peace sign, will benefit WhyHunger. Merchandise is available for purchase at Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel and Casino properties around the world and online at www.hardrock.com.

Stay to Give Back
Guests and fans of Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos are invited to let their wish be heard with the IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER Wish Tree. Guests can make donations in the Rock Shop for a Wish Tag, then write wishes down and place it on the hotel's Wish Tree. Funds raised through the purchase of each Wish Tag will go directly to support sustainable agriculture education and nutritional feeding programs around the world, through the partnership with IMAGINE. Wish Tag donations can be any amount, including $2 to feed a child for a day, $5 to feed a child for a week, $10 to start a family or community garden and $20 to start a school garden program.

As part of the 2015 IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER campaign, Hard Rock encourages fans to show their support by using the #ImagineNoHunger hashtag on social media. Whether sharing photos of Hard Rock's IMAGINE merchandise or how they support the IMAGINE campaign, Hard Rock looks to its guests to join the fight and utilize the #ImagineNoHunger hashtag in their social media posts this season.

For additional information on the IMAGINE program, visit www.hardrock.com/IMAGINE.

About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin, WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. WhyHunger works to support, resources and build the capacity of community organizations and social movements that are changing the systems, policies and institutions that perpetuate hunger and poverty in our world. Together we are transforming our collective food system into one that is socially and economically just, nourishes whole communities, cools the planet and ensures the rights of all people to food, land, water and sustainable livelihoods. Learn more at whyhunger.org

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 204 venues in 64 countries, including 157 cafes, 22 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Lagos and Gran Canaria, Spain. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.