I cannot express how honored I am to have accomplished one of my lifelong dreams.

Within a group of friends who have a passion for the music scene, we formed a non-profit organization.

From casual gatherings to black tie affairs, CKCU has raised $10,000 in 2010 to give to breast cancer patients of the Kimmel Cancer Center.

We formed a bond within this group that is very similar to a family. It proves that the saying, "Your friends are the family that you pick" is very true. We've been though it all, and it made us into better people and a bigger family.

I personally want to thank all of the members, volunteers, and contributors to CKCU for making everything possible. I couldn't have done it without you. You all have worked diligently and have made this organization strong.

A very special thank you goes out to my mother, Mrs. Anita Matthews for sharing her story with us and giving me the chance to create an event that was based on an illness that isn't very easy for anyone to want to share.

Because we had so much fun, we have decided that we are going to do another fundraiser campaign in 2011 for a charity in Baltimore, MD.

We will be making the big announcement on December 4th, 2010 at our kickoff party at Club Orpheus located on 1003 East Pratt Street in Baltimore.

Please check out our events page for more info on this event. See you all on the 4th! This show isn't something that you should miss.

The CKC began as a group of friends brought together by the Jamtronica music scene. After seeing lots of live music together, we decided we wanted to give something back to the community. After much deliberation and many informal meetings we chose the name CKC United to represent our organization.

The group is comprised of eight board members and many volunteers who have been passionate about the idea from conception and very involved in turning the idea into a reality.

We are in the process of becoming a non-profit organization with our main mission to raise money and awareness for various charities. Our current goal is hosting a Black Tie formal event called Rock the Ribbon. We will put our passion for live music to work while raising money for the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Read more about Rock the Ribbon here.

Why did the CKC United choose to raise money for Women with Breast Cancer for our First fundraising event?

When I first envisioned CKC United, I saw it as a unique organization that could bring friends together to support a meaningful cause. There are a lot of people and charities that need help, but I wanted to pick something close to my heart and soul for our first event. My mom is a survivor of breast cancer of 7 years, and she is someone that is very special and important in my life. Anita Matthews is the reason I am the person that I am today. I don’t know what it’s like to have breast cancer, but I see how it affects her everyday. Breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter) affects EVERYONE! It is not something that you can ignore. All of us know someone who has struggled with disease and hardship. Being there for someone in their time of need is the greatest gift you can give.

The 2010 Fundraiser, Rock the Ribbon, is a way to show my mother that I appreciate every minute that I get to spend with her, and to show others that there are people out there who truly care.