What’s more satisfying than helping a disadvantaged child?

How about a whole bunch of children? What if a little money or support could transform a child’s future from horrid to happy? Nearly 60,000 children are in foster care in California and another 30,000 enter the system each year. These neglected kids often suffer the repercussions of emotional or physical abuse; as well, statistics prove they are more likely to have health issues, do poorly in school and drop out. For these reasons and many more, the need for support and guidance for afflicted area youth is growing by the second. As the famous author Dr. Seuss once said, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Enter local band Joe Getty & The Dead Flowers. The rock ‘n’ rollers are big heroes – not only to their fans, but to area foster kids too. Getty, one half of the hugely popular Armstrong and Getty KSTE talk radio show, loves making music and helping others. “I am not making music to make money,” Getty explains. “I want to do something good for my community.”

Besides being a hardworking northern California radio personality, Getty has released his band’s second album, One More Mile. The 18 song rockin’ masterpiece is sold at Sleep Train – the West Coast’s largest mattress retailer – stores and online. All of the proceeds from first year sales go directly to the Sleep Train Foster Kids program. “No one is making a nickel on it,” Getty says.

The motto of Sleep Train’s Foster Kids program is: “Not everyone can be a foster parent, but anyone can help a foster child.” Getty knows these kids face a hard life and sometimes do it without shoes, school supplies and adequate clothes. “A tremendous amount of these kids become homeless,” Getty says. Mike Wilson, vice president of marketing for Sleep Train, appreciates the work Getty is doing to help their cause. “Joe has been an on-air spokesperson for more than 10 years,” Wilson explains. “He approached us with this creative way to raise funds for foster kids.”

Getty’s band is named with a nod to the ’70s Rolling Stones song “Dead Flowers.” Getty admits to being a Stones freak and wanted to honor one of his favorite bands and one of his group’s inspirations. Within their music and during performances, the band also channels the likes of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and “a sprinkle of The Clash,” Getty adds. The Rocklin resident and dedicated family man has enjoyed all things music for as long as he can remember; Getty can be heard singing and playing the rhythm guitar and tambourines.

For more information, visit armstrongandgetty.talk650kste.com/pages/deadflowers.html.