An enthusiastic crowd of about 600 filled the North Gwinnett High School gymnasium on March 21 to show support for a Bulldog alum.
“Rock 4 Robert,” a concert staged to benefit 2008 NGHS graduate Robert Pritchard, was headlined by country artist and North Gwinnett graduate, Andy
Velo, and also featured American Idol contestant and current NGHS junior, Alexa Gilomen.
Pritchard, who played football at North Gwinnett, suffered from seizures and a stroke last July and subsequently was diagnosed with a condition called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (or CVST), which is a rare form of stroke that results in a blood clot on the brain. Proceeds from the benefit go to help Pritchard with rising medical costs and expenses.
“My idea was not just to raise money but to raise awareness, and let Robert and his mother, Natalie, know that the North Gwinnett community cared about and supported them,” said community coach Mike O’Rouke, one of the event’s organizers. And he knows Pritchard well, having coached him in youth football, too.
O’Rouke credits one of the football team’s trainers, Mackenzie Heck, who suggested last fall during one of the football team’s Monday night Bible study 
meetings at Level Creek United Methodist Church that the team should participate in a service project. While trying to decide what to do, the group saw an article in the local newspaper about Pritchard’s condition. O’Rouke, who also owns Peach State Audio and has been associated with the music scene in
Atlanta and the Southeast since 1976, decided to put the two together and hold a benefit concert.
“I felt a concert could really pull the community together and show Robert how much he meant to us,” O’Rouke said. “Andy Velo, who is a North Gwinnett graduate, signed on immediately to perform. Once Live Event Solutions agreed to provide the stage, lights and sound, we were ready to move forward.”
O’Rouke said that between their sponsors, ticket sales and donations, they are pleased with the results, and that the support of the North Gwinnett community has been outstanding. “I can’t say enough about the effort and support the school and its administration, the Touchdown Club, the football program, and the sponsors gave to make the concert for Robert a success.”
The Stroke Awareness Foundation is still accepting donations on Robert’s behalf, and on July 13 they will be hosting a gala for Pritchard in Orlando, Florida. To donate, please visit their website. Please visit the Rock 4 Robert Facebook page.
BY: Amy Wilson
