November 27 is this year’s Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days. This day marks the kickoff of year-end charitable contribution drives, widely called “Giving Tuesday.” Adding to the annual excitement and social media buzz, Facebook and PayPal announced that they will be matching donations to eligible US-based nonprofits up to a grand total of $7 million.
The rock and roll community is also getting involved in this tradition. Below you can find our roundup of just a few of the bands and nonprofit organizations that are helping out today.
On November 26 P.O.D., who recently released their tenth album Circles, performed in Dallas, Texas for a sold out event raising funds for Toys For Tots.
XD Out, the heavy duo formed by brothers Chris and Josh Haines in 1999, is raising funds for the dual purpose of Music and Medicine, according to a post on Facebook. They launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money toward their fourth studio project, along with 10% of all donations going to the Cancer Research Foundation in memory of their father Jerry, who passed away in 2013. Check out more information about the project and this fundraiser by visiting the GoFundMe campaign page.
The Hands and Feet Project, the nonprofit founded by former Audio Adrenaline members Mark Stuart and Will McGinness that helps children and families in Haiti, is celebrating 15 years in Haiti with a $15,000 match today. Find more information about how to help out by visiting their website.
HeartSupport is a music focused nonprofit founded by August Burns Red lead singer Jake Luhrs in 2011. According to their Facebook, “HeartSupport exists to equip, encourage, inform, and provide emotional support to young adults caught in cycles of addiction, suicide ideation, depression, sexual abuse, relationship issues, and family issues. We achieve this goal through peer-to-peer mentoring and support, musician partnerships and involvement, recovery programs and faith-based teachings, and connecting young adults to resources in their local areas.” This year, they are raising funds specifically to create a festival around their mission. Find out how you can help this organization by visiting their website.
Our friends at To Write Love On Her Arms, whose mission has always been tied to the music community, are participating in the Facebook and PayPal match for Giving Tuesday with a goal of raising $10,000 to continue their mission of encouraging people that “2019 needs you.” They are inviting everyone to “give the gift of hope and help today.” You can learn more about their campaign and contribute by visiting their campaign on Facebook.
Another longtime force in the music culture, Switchfoot is following up Black Friday merch sales with an invitation to contribute to their Bro-Am Foundation. The foundation benefits homeless and at-risk youth in Switchfoot’s native San Diego, as well as benefitting multiple other charities over the years at the annual Bro-Am event. “We always say that the best part of SWITCHFOOT is the incredible community that has grown out of the band,” Switchfoot said in an email. “We started the BRO-AM Foundation almost 15 years ago now, and year after year we’re blown away by your generosity and care for the world around you.”
Last but not least, fresh off his recent trip with his family to the frontlines of the battle against human trafficking, David Zach and Remedy Drive continue their efforts to raise awareness and funds to prevent human trafficking through the charity The Exodus Road. Learn more and help out on this post on Remedy Drive’s Facebook page.
It is always a beautiful thing to see the music community join forces in such a way to help others and fulfill a purpose beyond the music. Rock On Purpose would love to hear from our readers today as well. As we turn the corner into the final month of 2018, what are some of the charitable organizations you like to support during the holiday season?
Rock On Purpose 