The Grammy award winning band Switchfoot is preparing to host their seventh annual Bro-Am surf contest and beach concert event in a bid to raise awareness around teenage homelessness.
Switchfoot will not only raise awareness but will also use the event to raise funds for StandUp For Kids, an organization that works among at-risk and homeless kids.
“Last year we reached over $130,000. That was mind-blowing to us, and we hope to raise more,” Switchfoot’s bassist, Tim Foreman, informed The Christian Post.
“To say that if we didn't raise that amount it would be failure, that's something we are very reluctant to say because the awareness that it is generating triggers what these kids are going through.”
“StandUp For Kids is again proud to be chosen as the recipient of the proceeds from this year's Bro-Am. Jon, Tim, Chad, Jerome and Drew show the true commitment of impacting homeless youth in Southern California. They have shown a tireless effort to help homeless youth, one at a time, and are an inspiration to our volunteers and homeless youth," said David Bakelman, the CEO for StandUp For Kids.
Foreman added that the event itself provided a place for the homeless youth where they could feel safe and secure.
“All financial goals aside this is a chance where these kids can breathe deeply and know that they are appreciated and then the mission would be accomplished,” Foreman said.
“The highlight of the event for me is seeing layers of worry abandoning their faces,” he added.
The annual event has so far raised more than $400,000 for StandUp.
(Image is of Switchfoot playing at the last bro-am event).