Hodie Bash Mixes Fun

Hodie Bash Mixes Fun

WITH LEGENDARY BAND STYX AND FUNDRAISING FOR LURIE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

BY SCOTT JONLICH PHOTOGRAPHY BY DICK MORTON

Over 800 people came together at Lagunitas Brewery concert hall In October to listen to legendary Chicago band Styx and raise money for Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Styx

Currently, a resident of Brentwood California, Brian Hodous, grew up in Downers Grove and came home to host his annual “Hodie Bash” at Lagunitas Brewery in Chicago. Hodous and his wife Micki continued their 38th annual gathering to support the research of childhood diseases in memory of his nieces Jessica (2) from bacterial meningitis and Chelsea (3) with Leukemia.

The former Downers Grove South wrestler and youngest of five kids made his mark on the business world, upon graduating from Marqutte University, at Glaxo-Smithkline, Pfizer, Cadbury-Schweppes and eventually becoming a key executive for the world’s leading video game powerhouse Activision Blizzard, the company behind Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush and many more. The video gaming company would later spur interest with Hodous in coordinating entertainment concepts in pursuit of distraction therapy with children suffering from pain in pediatric facilities.

BRIAN AND MICKI HODOUS

Hodous’s fundraising opportunities with popular bands began after he became instrumental in growing the company to a leader in the field and got involved with Guitar Hero, the wildly successful twist on video entertainment which allowed him the opportunity to meet and become close friends with music acts, such as Styx.

Styx

A few years ago, a protégé of his, who had become CEO of Lagunitas Brewing in California, told him about the new first class concert venue that was recently created at the their Chicago brewery location. She said, ‘Brian, with all your contacts in the rock world, and your interest in raising money for good causes, why don’t you use our facility for your annual event?’

Brian Hodous speaking to crowd

The couple jumped on the idea of putting on the concert and inviting guests to the “Hodie Bash” where friends could enjoy a great evening and make whatever contribution they like. The all-Chicago fest spotlighted Lurie Children’s Hospital, Styx, Lagunitas and features amazing food such as Italian beef, pizza, and Chicago-style hot dogs.

Styx playing with original bass player, Chuck Panozzo

“It took me two years to organize this because we needed a weekend night for Styx,” Hodous said. “People flew from literally all over the world to enjoy this truly historic evening and to donate money to the Lurie Children’s Hospital. (The event) allows us to raise money on the front end of the evening and throw a hell of a party and concert without any donation pressure on the night. No paddles (raises) no silent auctions.

The night is about bringing people together and providing resources to children who are experiencing the most difficult times of their short lives.”

With every dollar donated, the Hodous couple is excited about some of the research they are seeing. He saw new research with distraction therapy helping kids in hospitals focus on programs based on their interests. Clinical trials were run for distraction therapy for the reduction of opioid medication through engaging the mind and Hodous said why not other sensory distractions including video games, linear entertainment, music and other auditory and visual engagements.

LAGUNITAS BREWERY IN CHICAGO

“So, it wasn’t just video games but it’s also music, movies, and TV,” said Hodous, who hopes more hospitals will add the distraction therapy for children dealing with pain and treatment effects. According to studies, by treating the brain virtually, researchers have become more confident that relevant entertainment is not only capable of distracting a patient from their acute pain but blocking their brain’s pain receptors in much the same way a prescription opioid would.

GUITAR AND DRUMHEADS DONATED BY STYX FOR CHARITY AUCTION

Hodous continues to channel what he has learned in his professional career to helping Lurie Children’s Hospital and the wider pediatric community. He plans to continue with his “Hodie Bash” in the future. He decided on doing something different 38 years ago to bring friends together. Now he brings those same people and MANY more together to make a difference.

To learn more about Lurie Children’s Hospital’s treatments and philanthropic opportunities contact Lurie Children’s Foundation at 312.227.7500 or foundation@ luriechildrens.org.