CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, April 17, 2019 – The NSCA Education Foundation is excited to announce the Drunk Unkles’ first NSCA Education Foundation Charity Concert of 2019, scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, at B.B. King’s in Orlando. Now in their 14th year of supporting the NSCA Education Foundation, the Drunk Unkles have generated more than $1 million for the industry through this annual event.
Donations from industry professionals, manufacturers, consultant firms, dealers, distributors, rep firms, and integrators as part of this annual event allow the NSCA Education Foundation to establish meaningful and impactful programs, offer scholarships, and provide training opportunities for new professionals and industry veterans.
This year, all proceeds will go to Ignite, an industry initiative established by the NSCA Education Foundation. Ignite’s goal is to generate interest in communications technology by connecting local high school and college students with manufacturers, dealers, and integrators to spark imagination and encourage students to consider new career paths in this industry.
“As Ignite connects students with future employers in our industry, we want to make sure this initiative continues,” says Chuck Wilson, director of the NSCA Education Foundation. “We’re already seeing the difference Ignite is making in the lives of students – and in the businesses of integrators – and this NSCA Education Foundation Charity Concert will raise funds to ensure that its success continues.”
Dubbed “Light it Up!” as a toast to the Ignite initiative, the NSCA Education Foundation Charity Concert kicks off InfoComm again this year. More information about the event can be found at www.drunkunkles.com. Tickets for the event can be picked up at designated sponsor booths during InfoComm 2019, or downloaded here.
Thanks to the generosity of Cleerline’s Rob D’Addario, the Drunk Unkles will auction off a Steven Lee Lukather Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III BFR guitar on June 12 as well – with strings attached (featuring the latest D’Addario strings and accessories). The funds generated from this auction will be donated to the NSCA Education Foundation. A mahogany tone block, on-board 12db adjustable boost, A++ maple top, and roasted birdseye maple neck refine this signature edition.
During the 2019 NSCA Education Foundation Charity Concert, the NSCA Education Foundation will unveil its “What I Love About AV” campaign as well. Communications technology professionals across the country will be asked to submit their own #AVforever selfie clips, explaining why they’re so loyal to the industry, for inclusion in an upcoming industry video. The video will debut in its entirety during the concert.
The Drunk Unkles performed its first fundraising event 17 years ago to help the family of an industry peer who unexpectedly lost his life. Not only is the annual NSCA Education Foundation Charity Concert performance from the Drunk Unkles during InfoComm a great party and a fun way to reconnect, but it more importantly brings in funds that allow the NSCA Education Foundation to continue to support the systems integration industry.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Atlas IED, Audio Incorporated, AVI-SPL, Barco, Belden, Biamp, Cleerline, Diversified, FSR, Harman, Hudson Marketing, Legrand, NEC Display Solutions, Shure, SM&W, Solutions360, Stewart FilmScreen, SurgeX, Synnex Corporation, West Penn Wire, and Winsted Corporation.
The all-star band features Scott Duryea, Felix Robinson, “Unkle” Steve Emspak and Marc Hochlerin of Shen Milsom & Wilke, Mike Phillips of Hudson Marketing Inc., and “Aunt” Lisa Wenger, formerly of Bosch Communications Systems and now with the Lisa Wenger Band. On June 12, a number of special guests will also be welcomed, including Mark Peterson, Billy Larson and Rob D’Addario.
About Ignite
Ignite is an initiative established by the NSCA Education Foundation. It works to generate interest in communications technology by connecting local high school and college students with manufacturers, dealers, and integrators to spark imagination and encourage students to consider new career paths in our industry. Ignite is committed to the promotion and awareness of opportunities to attract the next generation to the communications technology industry and fill the funnel with qualified candidates. For more information, visit www.igniteyourcareer.org.
About NSCA Education Foundation
The mission of the NSCA Education Foundation is to advance educational opportunities by providing scholarships and awards to assist existing professionals and those pursuing careers within the low-voltage electronic systems integration industry. The foundation is committed to the growth of the industry by providing access to the best education and latest techniques available. The NSCA Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, promotes and engages current and future electronic systems integrators in educational experiences to enhance the growth, professionalism and business skills needed in the electronic systems industry. For more information, visit www.nsca.org/nsca-education-foundation.
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