Celebrating Our Partnership with Switchfoot and 20 Years of BRO-AM

Published On: June 6th, 2024By Categories: Community Support, Partnerships3.9 min read

Twenty years ago, the members of Switchfoot dreamed up a way to give back to their hometown. Their idea to bring together friends from the surf and music industries for a charity surf contest benefitting local kids grew into two iconic San Diego events: BRO-AM’s Benefit Party and Beach Fest. The Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation supports various nonprofit organizations that provide services to homeless, at-risk, and disadvantaged youth. Feeding San Diego is proud to be one of the foundation’s beneficiaries.

A crowd and stands at the Switchfoot Bro-Am Beach Fest

The Switchfoot Bro-Am Beach Fest 2022

Partnering to Support San Diego Youth

For over a decade, the Bro-Am Foundation has helped support Feeding San Diego’s critical food resources. Year after year, their team chooses Feeding San Diego as a beneficiary for their summer events.

“Feeding San Diego successfully addresses one of the fundamental initiatives of the mission of the Bro-Am, ensuring that under-resourced children in our community receive access to nutritious food,” explained Chris Frederick, Bro-Am’s foundation and partnerships director. “Their passionate team and proven ability to create the impact we strive to achieve are just some of the reasons why we continue to support Feeding San Diego as a Bro-Am Beneficiary.”

In addition, the band has included volunteering at Feeding San Diego in their Switchfoot Getaway over the years. In between studio tours and private concerts, Switchfoot fans can gather to help us serve the San Diego community.

A group of volunteers along with the members of Switchfoot pose in front of an orange Feeding San Diego truck

Members of Switchfoot with volunteers from the 2022 Switchfoot Getaway after their volunteer shift

Celebrating 20 Years

This year marks Bro-Am’s 20th anniversary, a significant milestone for the foundation. “As we celebrate 20 years of the Bro-Am, we’re not only looking back. We’re also looking forward at the next 20 years,” says Chris. “We continue to support charities like Feeding San Diego and our other beneficiaries so we can make a consistent, long-term impact for local kids, as well as address new areas of need as we become aware of them and evolve to do even more.”

We asked Chris what it means that Bro-Am has become such a part of the San Diego community.

“It means more than we can say. It means everything,” he shared.” The way the San Diego community comes together is truly inspiring. Jon, Tim, Chad, and Jerome from Switchfoot have always said that the Bro-Am is as much theirs as it is ours, and that’s so true. One of the things I’ve seen through the lens of the Foundation is the ownership and pride this community has for the mission and experiences that are the Bro-Am. It’s something they look forward to, ask how they can get more involved, and even travel to be a part of every year. The Bro-Am Family is the best there is!”

Two Classic San Diego Events

Each year, the benefit party gathers 600+ changemakers for a special event. The night includes culinary creations from San Diego’s hottest spots, live and silent auctions, and a one-of-a-kind performance from Switchfoot and their special guests. Then, just a few days later, the beach fest treats 15,000+ beach lovers to a day full of live music, surf jousting, and a marketplace of local vendors, delicious food and drinks, and exciting activities.

Feeding San Diego's booth at the Switchfoot Bro-Am Beach Fest

Feeding San Diego’s booth at the 2022 Beach Fest

So, what can you expect this year? “A true sense of Community,” says Chris. “Lots of fun. And huge smiles on the faces of our beneficiary kids – they are the VIPs! The Benefit Party is a gathering of amazing culinary specialists, unique auction experiences, and heart-centered givers and doers coming together to make a tangible impact. The Beach Fest at Moonlight Beach is free for everyone, and this year, we’ll have two concert stages for the first time ever. Plus, surf events, interactive experiences, food trucks, and vendors. Did I mention music?! Switchfoot and their friends will perform at both events, and many of our beneficiary students will be joining them on stage.”

Want to Party with Switchfoot?

Tickets for both events are available now. The benefit party will take place on Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. Several types of tickets are available, and proceeds will support local youth initiatives of 2024 beneficiaries like Feeding San Diego. The beach fest takes over Moonlight Beach in Encinitas on Saturday, June 15. The event lasts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to attend. However, registering for your free ticket enters you into a drawing to win a pair of VIP Pit Tickets. Don’t miss your chance to support amazing nonprofits while enjoying music, food, and more.