AEG Presents, in partnership with Entercom Radio Group and the City of Pompano Beach, is proud to host #ParklandStrong, A Benefit for the Victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Shooting at the Pompano Beach Amp on May 16, 2018. All of the proceeds including ticket sales, concessions, merchandise and sponsorships will be donated to the official Broward Education Foundation Stoneman Douglas Fund. The concert will feature New Found Glory; Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, playing an intimate acoustic set; and Ryan Key, formerly of Yellowcard. Tickets for #Parkland Strong go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 5 at 10 AM and can be purchased atpbamp.com and axs.com.
“We are honored to be partnering with an outstanding array of community organizations to help support the victims’ families, survivors and those impacted by the horrific mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School,” said John Valentino, Senior Vice President of AEG Presents. “This concert will provide the opportunity to unite through an evening of music, while funding the official organization overseeing the distribution of donations.”
Broward Education Foundation, in close coordination with GoFundMe, announced an agreement with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to develop and implement a fund distribution plan to provide direct financial support to the families of those killed or injured in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Broward Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit direct support organization solely dedicated to raising funds for students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, serves as the central repository for the Official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and will organize a local steering committee responsible for setting the fund’s distribution policy.
“We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of compassion, generosity and support for our Marjory Stoneman Douglas family and Parkland community,” said Broward Education Foundation Board Chair Christina Fischer. “And we greatly appreciate the united efforts of so many outstanding performers, organizations and volunteers who are giving of their time and talent to make this benefit concert a successful fundraiser.”
The evening will feature an array of globally renowned performers with Florida roots.
Band members from headlining act, New Found Glory, graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and are honored to be participating in this concert. The members of New Found Glory had this to say:
The members of New Found Glory would like to start by saying this is a statement that we wish we never had to write in the first place. Our hearts are broken, and we cannot imagine the pain the victim’s families, friends, students, teachers and anyone else impacted by the recent tragedy at MSD must be feeling. While we feel there are no words that we can say or do to fix this in any way, we wish to let you know that our hearts are heavy with the pain that this event has caused to so many. We want to stress that the most important part of the grieving process is to focus on the healing of those affected by this senseless act. As some of you may or may not know, half of our band went to MSD so it is important to us that we do as much as we possibly can to help the school and families of the victims. They deserve our love, support, and help, and we will help in any way we can.
New Found Glory emerged as part of the pop punk scene of the late 1990s, and critics have hailed them as a pioneer of that genre. Joining them in tribute this evening will be former lead vocalist of the band Yellowcard, William Ryan Key, who will be debuting his new ambient, acoustic sound along with the release of his first EP. Chris Carrabba, who will also be playing an intimate acoustic set, is the lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, which recently released their new album, Crooked Shadows. The evening will also feature a silent auction of donated items. A soon-to-be announced dedicated web page will feature all available auctions items
“I couldn’t be more proud of our community coming together and paying tribute to the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. There is no better way to begin the healing process than through music,” said Keriann Worley, Senior Vice President of Entercom Radio Group.
The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department has been working closely with AEG Presents, Entercom Radio Group, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Pompano Beach Fire and Rescue and a host of other supporters and volunteers to organize this event.
“Pompano Beach unites with Parkland to share in your grief and help in your healing,” said Mark Beaudreau, Pompano Beach Recreations Programs Administrator. “As neighbors, we are here for the long journey. This event is just a start. We hope that we can come together to support the victim’s families and friends and be an agent of change for the betterment of our children.”
Current sponsors donating time and services include: New Found Glory with Le Grand Music and APA – Agency for Performing Arts, City of Pompano Beach Parks Department, Broward County Sheriff’s Department, Pompano Beach Fire and Rescue, Entercom Radio Group, AEG Presents, PCI - Professional Concessions Inc., TES Production, Kay Renz Public Relations, DAK Security and Staffing, Pompano Beach Cultural Center and AXS Ticketing.