More than a Benefit Concert
Written by: Team PoP November 8th, 2010By: Jam Derrick (far right in picture)
About two months ago, I discovered Pencils of Promise, a movement that understands the power of education and dedicates itself to creating educational opportunities for all. As an architecture student and burgeoning self-professed lover of the world, I immediately realized that this movement was something that I really wanted- no, needed- to be a part of. PoP effectively brings together everything I’m passionate about: building sustainable schools in developing countries, through an integrated process that helps to ensure the success of each project once the construction is completed. Not only do they spread the love across political and physical boundaries, they also advocate getting involved in your local community, and this is how I came to meet some of the most inspiring people who I have encountered to this day.
On November 3rd, PoP sponsored a benefit concert, and I decided that I couldn’t miss it (if you did, I’m sorry), and bought my ticket; it didn’t matter that I didn’t know the headlining acts, including Cash Cash and Boys Like Girls (who both have a hellagood stage show, and awesome music to back it up). I bought the VIP Meet and Greet Ticket thinking, “people shell out upwards of $200 for concert tickets to see their favorite bands. I would be honored to pay less than $80, with proceeds going to PoP. Plus, I’ll get to meet some obviously amazing and talented guys, who believe in a movement that is, and will be, the driving force behind a better generation and a better world.”
And so, having bought the concert ticket, I then bought a bus ticket, and sat on two Greyhounds buses (the first hit a deer right before the Buffalo border crossing, I kid you not) for a 12-hour trip from Toronto, on my way to NYC. I made my way to the venue and waited in line with some of the most devoted fans who I’ve ever encountered. I struck up a conversation with a pair of mother-daughter duos who told me that they had been to 6(!) Boys Like Girls concerts, and 3 Meet and Greets. I told them I had never heard of Boys Like Girls, and I was just there for PoP. They quickly gave me the rundown on the band members’ names, positions, and respective levels of hotness.
Once inside, I got my Meet and Greet on (all the guys were so polite) and assumed a position, stage front, with my new line friends (now little sisters). One of their moms came to me and said that she had just talked to the PoP representatives and told them about me and my trek; they wanted to meet me! So, over to the table went and met Jocelyn, Bianca, Sonia, Max, Eric, and Carlo. We became fast friends, mainly because these guys are all amazing, enthusiastic, and genuine people who are eager to share their lives and passion for PoP with anyone who wants to be a part of their bigger story. Later on in the night, I met Mimi, Bethany, and Adam Braun, the original pencil-provider, and realized that this so much more than just a benefit concert, it was a meeting of the minds and hearts of artists, music-lovers, people-lovers, lover-lovers, and world-lovers who can only be described as the PoP Movement. They invited me to their HQ the very next day, and I eagerly accepted.
After a brief on-stage boogie sesh’ with Asher Roth, a later addition to the concert and one of my favorite recording artists, and his crew, I snagged a PoP t-shirt, chatted with my PoP peeps, got some hugs from Runner Runner (another band at the show, check them out!) and their Swag Guy, and hopped on my first solo NYC metro ride from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
The next day, in the midst of a downpour, I stumbled into the offices of Pencils of Promise and the vibe in the space was amazing. With bright eyes and smiles all ‘round, we shared a quick recap of the concert, ate some cheddar POPchips, and watched a few videos of the night before. Next was my discussion with Jocelyn, Director of Youth Programming: we spoke like old friends, sharing our stories and ambitions. Her passion for the PoP movement, like that of the rest of team, was infectious and inspiring. Needless to say, I’m in it for the long-haul, and grateful to find a genuine movement, with a dedicated team, rooted in education, community and love.
Here is how anyone can get involved: follow PoP on twitter or facebook, start a campus club, or attend or host a multi-city event on November 13th! America is branded the land of opportunity, and that’s definitely what I experienced during my 5-day stay in NYC. It’s about time to share that wealth and spread the love.
