In 2023, as part of our initiative to increase our impact, Law Rocks has begun offering a new award for each Law Rocks show: The Hustle & Heart Award. This award is given to the band that has the highest number of unique donors contributing to the “Donation” category (separate from sponsorships or ticket sales). Law Rocks makes an additional donation to the winning band's charity of choice.

Law Rock celebrates grassroot, community efforts, and The Hustle & Heart award is meant to encourage donations for each band’s nonprofit pick. We are thrilled to increase our support of small, local nonprofits who would otherwise not be receiving this funding.

Today’s spotlight is on HORTON’S KIDS, the winner of the Hustle & Heart Award at the 8th Annual Law Rocks Washington DC. The DC organization was the chosen nonprofit of Hustle & Heart Award Winners The Terrifying Words, featuring legal talent from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

In deciding to form a band to perform in Law Rocks DC, vocalist and guitarist William Burk said, “we wanted to live up to The Terrifying Words, ‘we’re from the government and we’re here to help,’ and find a charity partner that the entire office could get behind.” On choosing Horton’s Kids, Burk said:

“Horton’s Kids was an easy choice for the great work they do mentoring kids in an underprivileged and historically neglected part of the District of Columbia. In their mission, work and tremendous results for the kids in their program, Horton’s Kids simply rocks! The Terrifying Words are grateful to have had them as a partner to rock the house at Law Rocks DC!”

The Terrifying Words were able to raise over $7,000 in support of Horton’s Kids, including the $3,000 granted by Law Rocks from winning the Hustle & Heart Award. We congratulate their hard work!

See below for our spotlight interview with Horton’s Kids Director of Communications & Events, Brad Sickels, to learn more about the deserving organization.

1) Can you tell us a little about your organization and its mission?

Horton’s Kids believes circumstance should not dictate a child’s future, and that every child should graduate from high school ready to succeed in college, career, and life. To that end, we provide a holistic, research-based continuum of academic, youth development, and basic needs supports designed to empower children and their families to succeed. We’ve served children and families in DC’s Ward 8 for 34 years.

2) What is one success story you’re really proud of?

Don’Zeal (age 16) has been a long-time participant in Horton’s Kids Programs, attending tutoring and academic programs and participating in field trips around the DMV. Through Horton’s Kids’ partnership with City Kids, Don’Zeal joined fellow 6-12th grade participants on an annual summer sleepaway camp adventure that uses city, natural, and wilderness settings in DC and Wyoming to build resiliency, broaden horizons, and develop life skills. Earlier this fall, Don’Zeal and his cohort became the latest group to climb the Grand Teton Mountain in Wyoming. Don’Zeal is excited to stay engaged with Horton’s Kids programs and eagerly anticipates his post-high-school journey once he graduates next year.

3) What programs and initiatives do you have scheduled for the upcoming year?

Horton’s Kids hosts a robust slate of weekly programs out of our three Community Resource Centers. From tutoring and mentoring, to sports, arts, and music, to family and community programming like game nights and holiday parties, we aim to provide every member of the family with quality programming and opportunity year-round.

Learn more about Horton’s Kids and donate at www.hortonskids.org