While waiting in anxious anticipation for Foster the People’s amazing set (see their awesomely re-vamped “Pumped Up Kicks” here) at Bonnaroo this past weekend, I overheard a group next to me mention something about the band beginning a charity. The show started moments later so I didn’t get a chance to ask about it right then, but after coming home from The Farm and doing some investigative research, I HAD to pass on the amazing opportunities they are offering to get involved.
It started last year during their North American tour – Foster the People teamed up with the Do Good Bus to “inspire community and volunteering across North America.” Thirty volunteers loaded up in the Do Good Bus at each tour location and were taken to a mystery volunteer activity in their community, working with various organizations such as Arts for Children & Youth, Habitat for Humanity, L.A. Guerilla Gardening, Wildfire Relief Fund, and more. Even if you weren’t one of the thirty able to participate, the band gave a shout-out to the organization during their shows so the word was spread about the causes, and released a video speaking on behalf of their project.
2012 brings round two, with the newly established Foster the Future collaborating to launch the Do Good Project. Like last time, they are working with different organizations at each tour stop, but there are a larger number of openings (50-150 depending on the location). You can RSVP for a specific Project for more info. It will begin May 26th in San Diego, CA and end July 7th in Las Vegas, and the band will even join hands-on in certain Projects when their schedule permits. The overall theme for this summer is saving the arts, and even at concerts where there isn’t a Do Good Project planned the van will be outside the concert to raise money for local arts organizations. There will also be fun perks, such as a photo booth, unique merchandise, and a chance to make some art of your own!
If you don’t have the time to volunteer during an actual Project, Foster the Future is open to help with other aspects of the events, such as photography, city research, set up/break down, gathering supplies, and merch. They also list each organization they plan on working with in each city, so you can check them out on your own time, and post links to various organizations they support as individuals.
It’s really refreshing to see artists taking an active role in positively contributing to the communities they come in contact with, and Mark Foster, Cubbie Fink, and Mark Pontius are setting the philanthropic bar high. Check out the Foster the Future Projects near you, and, if you want, let them know about the Red Hot Organization too!
You can send an email to info@fosterthefuture.com, or go the snail mail route and send a postcard to 2554 Lincoln Blvd #402, Venice, CA 90291 to help get Red Hot on the Foster the Future radar! You can also spread the word and learn more about opportunities to get your hands dirty with Foster the People through their charity’s Facebook and Twitter.
