Kids at Hope score local benefit concert

After being dared to participate in the lip sync challenge, the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center recently took part singing a song covered by the reggae band, Big Mountain. When the band heard it was made in partnership with Kids at Hope, they decided to hold a benefit concert in Yuma.

The Juvenile Center in Yuma County accepted the lip sync challenge by the Coconino County Adult Probation Department. In the video, the department marched and sang down the halls of its office to the tune of Lean On Me covered by Big Mountain.

When the department went to upload the clip to Facebook they were told they needed to get the rights for the music before they could upload it. Department director Tim Hardy emailed the band not expecting much in return.

“I woke up and there was a message from the president of the band of Big Mountain,” Hardy said. “He said, I love the video. It looks like you guys do a wonderful thing, can you tell me more about what you do?”

Hardy was able to explain through emails that Kids at Hope is program throughout 31 schools in Yuma County that focuses on youth development.

“It is based on three universal truths, believing in kids, believing that every kid is capable of success. No exceptions,” Hardy said. “It is connecting with kids and it’s also mental time-travel with kids, not just about education and careers.”

The band was so inspired to hear what the department was doing that they asked to hold a benefit concert for Kids of Hope in Yuma County. Hardy said, “I was shocked!”

Big Mountain will perform on November 11 at the Desert Sun Stadium, along with four local bands.

All the proceeds will go to the Kids at Hope. There is discounts for veterans and law enforcement officers.

You can find tickets and event info here.