Imagine There's No Hunger with the Hard Rock Cafe

"This is a beautiful step towards world peace. By imagining there's no hunger, like what John sang in his song, we express our strong desire to bring a world in which children will never again suffer from hunger or poverty. Let's come together and help spread this message around the world." -Yoko Ono Lennon

In 1971, John Lennon released his song "Imagine," and empowered every individual of the world by inviting them to envision a world of peace, a world free of poverty. Decades later, as the world celebrates what would have been his 70th birthday, Lennon's lyrics continue to influence and inspire. Lennon's vision of a better world lives on as his wife, artist and musician Yoko Ono Lennon joins Hard Rock International for IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER, a global campaign to benefit WhyHunger in its fight against childhood hunger and poverty around the world. Dedicated to its LOVE ALL – SERVE ALL motto, proceeds from Hard Rock's campaign will directly benefit WhyHunger and its grassroots partners around the globe in hopes of finding a long-term solution through sustainable agriculture.

"John Lennon, my husband, had a vision of a world free of hunger and at peace forever," said Yoko Ono Lennon. "Together let's imagine there's no hunger. Imagine a world where all kids have enough food to eat. Imagine a world where the food that children eat is healthy and nutritious. Imagine a world where our youth take pride in growing, harvesting and selling good food. We can make such a world come true together, with hard work, love and conviction. IMAGINE!"

Setting the foundation for Hard Rocks' IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER campaign will be the new John Lennon Artist Spotlight T-shirt, as well as a limited-edition pin and charity bracelet, featuring the powerful message "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER." Proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WhyHunger to benefit local grassroots partners, including the Pathfinder Academy in Kenya; the Pattanarak Foundation in Thailand; City of Joy in India; and MPP in Haiti. Each grassroots partner focuses on victims of poverty and helps teach sustainable farming and entrepreneurial skills for the future.

"I've seen firsthand how a campaign like IMAGINE can make a difference, and there is no greater feeling than being able to witness the impact that it's had on children and their families around the world," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International, and Global Ambassador for WhyHunger. "Through this partnership between Hard Rock, Yoko Ono Lennon and WhyHunger, we're confident that every day we are getting closer and closer to a world without hunger and poverty."

Hard Rock locations around the globe are offering IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER items in support of WhyHunger and its grassroots partners. IMAGINE merchandise will be available for a limited time only, and exclusively at Hard Rock's Rock Shops and www.hardrock.com, including

• John Lennon Artist Spotlight T-Shirt – The front of Hard Rock's new Artist Spotlight T-shirt features the globe within a peace sign, set atop a scroll-patterned background. Ribbons, bearing Hard Rock's mantra "Love All – Serve All" and the countries where WhyHunger's grassroots partners are located, complete the design. The back of the shirt features the influential message "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER" and John Lennon's self-portrait. Truly a symbol of world peace, this new 100% ringspun cotton t-shirt is available in charcoal grey in men's sizes (S – XXL). 15% of the net proceeds benefit WhyHunger and grassroots partners around the globe.
• IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER Pin – This limited-edition benefit pin features John Lennon's portrait and Hard Rock's logo inside of a peace sign. This intricate design sits atop the statement "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER" and John Lennon's famous signature. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WhyHunger. ($12, available in Rock Shop)
• IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER Charity Bracelet – Accessorize fashionably and charitably. This wristband is adorned with the influential message "IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER" and John Lennon's self-portrait. Available in red, this must-have item also features the WhyHunger and Hard Rock International logos. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. ($1 or more donation in cafe)

"Having experienced hunger at a point in her young life, Yoko Ono Lennon understands the importance of teaching young people how to grow food in order to support themselves and feed their neighbors," said Bill Ayres, Founder, WhyHunger. "We are equally proud of our ongoing partnership with Hard Rock International, which has helped us raise millions of dollars to help fight hunger and poverty at home and abroad." For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com.