No plans for the weekend? Check out the Switchfoot Bro-Am surf contest and concert at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas this Saturday, June 16, 2012. Now in its 8th year, this annual event was created to give back to the San Diego community while benefiting a local children’s charity through funds raised at a pre-event auction night soiree, as well as from vendors on the beach day-of, corporate surf team entries, and sponsorships. Since its inception in 2005, the Bro-Am has raised more than $515,000 for San Diego-based children’s charities.
The Switchfoot Bro-Am will once again benefit StandUp For Kids, a national nonprofit volunteer outreach organization founded in San Diego that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless, and street kids (www.standupforkids.org). The organization’s volunteers go to the streets in order to find, stabilize and otherwise help homeless and street kids improve their lives by providing and connecting them with lifesaving services. StandUp For Kids has been recognized by both the George W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations and the U.S. Justice Department for the impact and scope of its programs. Charity Navigator recently recognized StandUp For Kids as one of the most efficient and effective nonprofits in the United States.
In addition to the surf contest, live music performances, and nerf surf jousting exposition between surf contest heats, this year’s event will welcome the newly-added Rob Machado Bro Junior. Rather than a financial donation, those ages 16 and under who collect the most donated clothing win a spot to compete.
The pre-event auction is tomorrow, June 14, at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe. With a “taste of San Diego” format, guests will savor signature dishes from the area’s leading restaurants including 2Good2B, Bull Taco, Chuao Chocolatier, The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe, Crush Restaurant & Wine Lounge, Daphne’s, Del Mar Rendezvous, East Coast Pizza, Flavor Del Mar, Jake’s Del Mar, Luna Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pacific Coast Grill, Pacifica Del Mar, Pizza Port Brewing, Rimel’s, Solace & The Moonlight Lounge, and Zenbu. The evening will also include an exclusive live performance, silent and live auctions, and opportunity drawings. Tickets are limited, and are $150 per person; VIP are $225 per person, and include a VIP reception and meet & greet with Switchfoot.
On Saturday, the surf contest runs from 7am-3:30pm. Four-person surf teams secure their participation via sponsorship donation to StandUp For Kids. This year’s surf contest will feature riders representing Hurley, Billabong, Channel Islands, Transworld Surf, Surf Ride, Dragon, Surfer Magazine, the Encinitas Firefighters Association, and more, as well as surf legends Tom Curren and Rob Machado, and members of Switchfoot.
Later that day (from 12pm – 5pm), a free concert on the beach will feature performances by Brandon & Leah, Le Blorr, Dead Feather Moon, professional surfer Makua Rothman, and Jon Foreman and Friends. Past performers have included Jason Mraz, OK Go, Johnny Rzeznik, Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants Timmy Curran, Dynamite Walls, The Almost, Kate Voegele, members of Angels and Airwaves, Young the Giant, and many more.
This year’s event will also welcome The Rob Machado Foundation, which aims to provide funding and initiate educational programs focused on helping children understand their contribution towards a healthy earth (www.robmachadofoundation.org).
For more details, go to http://www.switchfoot.com/c/bro-am.
