Help us spread the word, Like Us on Facebook!We are local residents who live in Loomis, CA. After reading an article in November of 2011 in The Sacramento Bee about State cut backs in funding for the homeless shelters, which would cause shelters to stay closed later in the year and not be able to help as many people; we knew we had to do something to help. The thought of people having no place to go on the cold winter nights, especially during the holidays, compelled us to hold a benefit to help raise funds for the shelters. We decided to call it "Be The Change".
With Steve being a musician, holding a benefit concert just seemed the natural direction. Our friend Dana Papastathis joined us in our efforts; and with help and support from our friends and family; musicians and non-musicians alike, who donated their time, talent, and services, along with local merchants and business, a chance meeting with Doug and Crystal Thomas that lead to the support of 96.9 The Eagle, we held our first "Be The Change" Concert on December 9, 2011. We only had 50 some people in attendance, but we generated almost 5K for The Gathering Inn. We didn't reach our goal of 10K, but it was such a magical evening that we said afterwards, "We have to do this again!".
In 2013, we added Gold Country Wildlife Rescue as a beneficiary, giving a portion of our proceeds to support their work in helping injured and orphaned wildlife in Placer County. We as humans have encroached upon their nature habitat, and being animals lovers of all kinds, we felt it necessary to join in and help where we can.
This has now become an annual event called The "Be The Change" Winter Music Festival. In 2013 we finally made our goal, actually surpassed it by raising $18,100 in proceeds. It was a out the show! Since 2011 we have raised over $35K and hope and pray we will be able to continue our efforts for years to come.
We could not have done this without the help and support of our sponsors, the community, the incredible musicians who play and sing their hearts out, the volunteers, and all of you who come to the event.
We would like to give a special acknowledgment to the volunteers, our family and friends, who work hard before, during, and after the show to make this happen. You will see them at the event in their red BTC t-shirts, and we cannot thank them enough......Rick and Sherri Hirst, Kirk and Shelley Jenni, Jennifer and Kevin Hames, Rhiannon Loya, Robert Walmsley, Dave and Tara Schmidt, Dave and Tonya Affonso, Cindy Hoeksra, Rich Phillips, Lainey Silva, Ashley Silva, Tom Bean, Steve Jahnson, Cynthia Corne, Riley Sue Affonso, Pete and Kathy Neumann, Paul and Gwynne Schiess, Kayla Price, Tom Garske, Jean Williams, and Eric another one of the "Brews Brothers" at the bar with Kirk, Steve, and Rick.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
We thank you in advance for your generosity and support,
Steve and Nancy Price
