Black Tie-Dye Ball with Dark Star Orchestra
Saturday, March 6, 2004, at the Park West Theater in Chicago
Photo Gallery
Event Beneficiaries
Thank Yous
Dark Star Orchestra
View or Download Invitation (PDF)
Welcome From the Rex Foundation
In the spring of 1984 the first Rex benefit was held in San Rafael, California. For the next 11 years, the Grateful Dead performed Rex benefit concerts across the country that resulted in over $7 million in grants to some 900 programs. In December 2001, the Rex Foundation initiated its renewal efforts by presenting benefit events and extending its reach to a broad base of supporters, and has since granted $350,000 to 50 programs.
The Black Tie-Dye Ball initiated our 20th Anniversary of grant making with the first benefit outside the Bay Area since 1994. This evening was a celebration on many levels. We honored our history while also celebrating the success of our renewal efforts to connect with an extended base of musicians and fans who want to see the Rex Foundation once again fund many worthwhile programs.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Dark Star Orchestra for their generous support and welcoming of Rex to Chicago, the home of their first concerts. We also thank our Chicago Host Committee for helping us create a successful event outside of our home base.
Everyone participating in this event – musicians, production staff, in-kind contributors, ticket purchasers, generous supporters, and volunteers – are making it possible to not only celebrate the joy of community, but also to support the Rex Foundation’s efforts to fund grassroots programs across the United States and beyond that might not otherwise receive mainstream recognition, yet work in innovative, bold and sometimes controversial ways to bring about helpful solutions to challenging situations.
See Event Beneficiaries to learn about the local-area programs we identified to receive proceeds from this event. We hope all event participants feel proud to have made this support possible. As from the first Rex benefit concert 20 years ago, it is the coming together of all of us to enjoy the music, our community spirit and desire to help others that fosters joy, hope and the opportunity to make a difference.
Thank you.
Sandy Sohcot, Executive Director
Rex Foundation Board of Directors
