KNOXVILLE, TN — Blood: Water Mission, an organization that works to minimize the problems arising from both the spread of HIV/AIDS and lack of access to clean water in Africa, staged a musical benefit called “Hope in the Dark” at the Knoxville Convention Center here April 23. Allison Burchett, Bandit Lites’ Director of Philanthropy, worked with the charity to provide lighting for the event, which raised more than $220,000.
More details from Bandit Lites (www.banditlites.com):
Not having access to clean water is not an issue most Americans struggle with, but for millions in Africa, it is a daily battle. Allison Burchett, Bandit Lites’ Director of Philanthropy, worked with the Blood: Water Mission to bring about the “Hope in the Dark” benefit April 23 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Supporters raised over $220,000 while Grammy award winning country music stars, and Bandit Lites’ clients, Little Big Town, performed.
Bandit has provided support for Blood: Water events for years, as they work to assist victims of HIV/AIDS and to aid the water crisis throughout Africa. Founded by Jars of Clay, Blood: Water has brought 819,000 people clean water and served more than 49,000 patients in HIV-prevalent areas.
Bandit Lites’ Giff Swart helped to create the design, using Bandit’s own GRN LED Moving Wash, GRN LED Pars and Mac 2000 Pro 2s on 2 sticks of truss, while Little Big Town’s lighting designer Chris Shrom used a grandMA console to run the concert lighting.
“The fact that Little Big Town takes time out of their incredibly busy schedule to stay involved with this charity that we have all come to know and love, really speaks to their character and what generous people they are, and also to the mission of Blood: Water and how important it truly is,” said Allison Burchett. “Bandit is so proud to be involved with both Little Big Town and Blood: Water, both incredible groups doing incredible things.”
The lighting was used to create an earthy feel using trees surrounded by foliage placed around the room, strategically lit with Blood: Water’s logo colors. Oranges and reds from the lighting rig lit the ceiling which made the room feel like a calm sunset, welcoming evening.
“This show is always one of my favorites to be involved in,” said lighting designer Chris Shrom. “The people are nice and the event goes to benefit communities in Africa, digging wells that provide them with safe, clean water. It is a great mission. Once the communities can stop spending so much time carrying buckets miles upon miles to get water, they have more time for things like schooling, healthcare… all the little things that we take for granted here in the United States.”
“I can’t imagine “Hope in the Dark” without the involvement of Bandit Lites,” said Mike Hamilton, Blood: Water’s President of Engagement and host of “Hope in the Dark.” “This event to raise funds for work in Africa has raised over $1 million in five years while utilizing three different venues and multiple musical artists. Bandit’s involvement and presence elevated the event in every case. Their staff is attentive, professional, knowledgeable and forward thinking. The utilization of their lighting creativity brought “brilliance” to our organization’s events and set us apart in the marketplace. We are grateful for their longstanding friendship.”
