The Rob Machado Foundation presents its 2nd Annual Benefit Concert on Monday Nov. 11 at the Belly Up Tavern. The intimate event will feature the acoustic stylings of Jason Mraz, Austin Burns, Run River North and John Rzeznik from The Goo Goo Dolls.
Rob Machado is not only a professional surf icon, but an environmental activist, musician and humanitarian who created the non-profit RMF 2004. The primary mission of the organization is to “provide funding and initiate educational programs focused on helping children understand their contribution towards a healthy earth.” While there are a multitude of different youth-driven programs within RMF such as recycling, school greening and “grow your own lunch,” Machado is currently focusing on creating awareness of the dangers of plastic water bottles.
“When I was in elementary school, bottled water didn’t exist, but today’s generation of kids has grown up thinking any alternative water source is gross or dirty,” Machado said in a recent interview. “Hydration Nation,” a program created by RMF and Hurley H2O, is striving to change that misconception. The program implements bottle water refill stations into high schools to help reduce waste from plastic water bottles. The profit from sales of reusable water bottles goes directly toward programs to provide clean water to help those in developing countries.
Machado’s zen-like vibe is apparent in and out of the water. When asked about his relationship with the environment, he replied, “there’s definitely a connection between the time I spend in the water and my drive to help the environment. I’m in the ocean every day-it’s what’s close to my heart.”
The fact that the benefit concert is sold-out speaks for itself. “Any time the Belly Up is sold-out is a good time,” said Machado. “Good music, a good cause, good people…it’s a recipe for success.”
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Photos courtesy of DJ Struntz and Derek Bauhn
