LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Tuning their guitars and doing sound checks, the bands spent the afternoon getting ready to play under the lights for Rock Relief, an event Ned Bellau created to help others while doing what he he likes it.

“Just giving back and helping other people,” Bellau said. “Everyone needs help at some point in their lives. So if there’s a way to give back, this is my way.”

Rock Relief partners with the nonprofit Greenhouse 17, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence get their lives back.

Something survivor Misti Dawn knows can make a big difference.

“I speak from experience,” Dawn said. “You have to have hope.”

When she was in a domestic violence relationship, Dawn said it took her to a dark place in her life that left her feeling ashamed. Having the support made all the difference, she said.

“Be strong…take care of this and I deserve it,” Dawn said. “I know there is more to life than the dark cloud I’ve been living under. I’m so grateful that I’m able to get out of the situation like this, because I know others can’t.”

Dawn works to be the voice of those who cannot speak, telling everyone at Rock Relief about Greenhouse 17 and how the organization is there to help people survive domestic violence.

“A lot of women who suffer from domestic violence,” she said. “They are very sheltered in their lives. They have no friends, no relatives and nowhere to go. If there is a possibility for them to escape because their lives depend on it. They need an organization like Greenhouse 17 to accept them.”

The performing bands hope that by spotlighting community resources like Greenhouse 17, more people will be able to help someone else in need.