By Nicol Jenkins
Editor
The loss of four Lynn University students and two professors from the devastating Haiti earthquake struck a cord with Dashboard Confessional's lead singer, Chris Carrabba.
Carrabba, also a Boca Raton resident, decided to help the Lynn University community by rocking out the campus with a benefit concert. Many Lynn students and the community sang along to Carrabba's well known songs, including Stolen and Vindicated. The Lynn Philharmonia Orchestra also played with Carrabba.
Carrabba hosted the concert to benefit the Lynn University memorial scholarship fund in honor of the faculty members and students who passed away during the earthquake while providing service and care to the people of Haiti during the Journey of Hope course. Carrabba spotlighted the importance of active volunteerism and the positive energy it can bring to the world. The scholarship fund will go towards Haitian students and those students that complete humanitarian work.
"The whole community has been affected by this, and it's nice to come out and support this cause," said Carrabba, during his performance. "The survivors and those that were lost are examples to us all. They put others before themselves. They inspire me."
Carrabba, who began playing the guitar at 15 and continued throughout his years at Boca Raton High School and Florida Atlantic University, says the earthquake hit close to home. Many of his Haitian friends lost loved ones in the devastation.
"When I heard about the earthquake in Haiti, I thought about my town. There are tons of Haitians here in South Florida, and it hit our community hard," said Carrabba, "It struck close to home. Many of my friends are from Haiti and lost their family; one of my friends lost six relatives in one home." 
Carrabba also wanted to honor those Lynn students and professors that passed away in Haiti while trying to help those in need.
"I wanted to honor the students and professors that passed away because they were doing humanitarian work," he said.
The surviving members of the Journey of Hope to Haiti and Lynn's President Kevin Ross have expressed gratitude for Carrabba's interest in the university, its ongoing commitment to Haiti and the local community.
"Lynn University is honored and thankful to have musicians as talented as Chris Carrabba join us in remembering and celebrating the lives of the courageous and compassionate members of the ‘Journey of Hope' trip that we lost during the Haiti earthquake," said Ross. "Because of the support this concert will bring to the Lynn University memorial scholarship fund, more students will be able to carry on the mission of Dr. Patrick Hartwick, Dr. Richard Bruno, Stephanie Crispinelli, Britney Gengel, Christine Gianacaci and Courtney Hayes, as they participate in educational and service opportunities focusing on those in need. The six strived to make a difference in the world, and we are committed to carrying on their legacies."
Attendees rocked out for a good cause.
"It's a pretty awesome thing that the band is doing. He's my idol," said Coral Springs residents and fans Alex Brown and Oren Gross.
Lynn University students Charlie Phillips and Wendy Crowell enjoyed the show and remembered their fellow students and professors.
"It's a really great cause, and it's really nice for Dashboard Confessional to come out and do this concert," said Crowell.
The students also bought Journey of Hope t-shirts and Remember Haiti bracelets for the fundraiser.
"It's good to remember the students and move on and continue their legacy," said Phillips.
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