Rocking the Docks honors Unlocke the Light
Rocking the Docks hosted a special benefit concert July 17, in support of the SL24 Unlocke the Light Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing mental health education, resources and support for students and young adults.
The event marks the official kickoff of the foundation’s Bump, Set, Light summer awareness campaign.
The SL24 Unlocke the Light Foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of Sean Locke, a standout student-athlete who lost his battle with depression. The foundation's mission is to help young people understand that it’s OK to not be OK, and to connect them with the tools, education and support they need to thrive. SL24 has become a statewide leader in opening wellness centers on school campuses.
“This is the kind of night where music meets meaning,” said Matt VanBelle, founder of Rocking the Docks. “It’s a chance for our concerts to support an amazing organization, and for a cause that touches so many lives.”
Sean’s House and SL24 have three main objectives – educate, assist and support.
SL24 equips youth with the knowledge to recognize mental health challenges, find support and take steps toward wellness. SL24 removes barriers to mental health care by connecting youth to specialized resources and offering scholarships to ensure financial access to therapy. SL24 supports by creating Sean’s House and Sean’s Room to provide safe and brave spaces, empowering youth to seek and offer guidance from their peers.
SL24 partnered with CAMP Rehoboth July 18, to host the first Waves of Light open house. The afternoon focused on mental health, community and connection.
The Bump, Set, Light tournament followed July 20, at the Rusty Rudder beach in Dewey Beach, where amateur and pro beach volleyball teams played for glory and to raise funds and awareness of the SL24 Unlocke the Light Foundation.
For more information on Sean’s House and SL24, go to unlockethelight.com.
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
