Update: So much has been going on! I feel like I have so much to do, but I can't seem to remember what! The concert is in less than a month and I am just about terrified. I have a budget of about $18,000. Yupp. A high school student has a budget of about $18,000 for a concert. If I don't get enough money, guess who has to pay for it. Yes. You see my dilemma. Let me give you an update on what's been happening: I have booked the band, Building 429. There are also 6 other bands that will be performing. The bands are: Gideon, Bless the Morning, Sonnus, Sanctuary Society, The Comfort, and Pursuing Haven. These are all local bands. I also have a dance troupe, drama troupe, and some speakers from The Alive Campaign that are going to be speaking. I'm really excited, but completely nervous. I cannot even begin to describe these nerves. God has shown complete favor over this concert. So many people are helping out! I had a friend make the posters/fliers for me. Tons of friends are passing out posters. A ministry in El Paso let me speak at a bash they had on Saturday about the concert. I'm really praying that God helps me get through this. Everyday, something needs to get done with this concert. If it wasn't for my mom pushing me all the time, I probably would not have gotten a lot done. We're trying to get a hold of press so I can get free publicity. Also, KLOVE Christian Radio, which is one of the biggest Christian radio stations in America is going to be broadcasting the concert locally. That's exciting! I'll update more when I remember to do all this, but there is still so much to do! I still need money! Here are some tips that I can give to anyone who wants to throw a benefit concert: 1. Understand that it is A LOT of pressure. There have been so many tears shed and so many times I have wanted to quit. It is challenging and intimidating. 2. Make a budget. Realizing how much money you need is abosutely essential. 3. Think big. Don't be afraid to think big, but don't be shocked if you are let down by a favorite band you wanted. A lot of bands are about business and will only go with a promoter who has already had some sort of experience. 4. Have a plan! Write it down. How are you going to raise this money? How are you going to advertise? What is the name of your event? How are you going to get sponsors? 5. Expect to be rejected, but continue if you are. Don't let someone's "word of advice" let you down. They may have been in this business longer, but they aren't you. You CAN do it. Sponsors only have a certain amount of money they can give. 6. If you don't believe in God and don't pray, I recommend starting. Seriously, it is the absolute most difficult task you may ever experience in your high school year. You need someone to cry to when nobody is there. God likes to help people that want to help people. 7. Mobilize. Better things happen in groups. People know people who know people who can help you. Everyone can do something. Everyone can help with something. This business is all about who knows you and who you know. 8. Be friendly. Even if they are jerks or seem intimidating, be nice! You never know if you will need a phone number or something from them. Plus, they might know someone who can help you even if they can't. 9. Have a support system. A lot of people will not believe in you or your dream, but someone will. You will need that someone somewhere along the line. You need someone to encourage you when times get rough. 10. Get help! Don't be afraid to ask when you don't know something. Most people are nice when they see it's your first time doing this. There is power in numbers. 11. Don't procrastinate and start early! The earlier you begin, the better. If you have a problem procrastinating, find someone who will push you when you don't feel like doing anything. It may get annoying, but it actually helps. You need them. 12. Be open to new ideas. Some people have good ones, some don't. If they don't, be nice to them and reject them politely. 13. Advertise! The more you do this, the better. More people will know about your event and will start talking. 14. Did I mention mobilize? This is probably the most important thing you could possibly do. Otherwise, good luck on doing everything yourself. That's just about all I have for now. I'll let you know more when the concert is approaching sooner.

Additional hours volunteered: 48
Additional people impacted: 28
Additional people involved: 50

Update: I already updated this after the concert, but figured I might as well let you know how this project has impacted me. We already mailed the check to The Alive Campaign which was around $600. It wasn't as much as I wanted to give them, but the concert budget was extremely expensive. Now that I have done this project, I realize that I can do anything. At the moment, I'm going off to college and often wonder how I'm going to pay my enormous loan. However, knowing that I have conquered the task of coordinating an entire concert, I have faith. It's amazing how much one can learn when they are put to the limits.

Additional hours volunteered: 1
Additional people impacted: 600
Additional people involved: 50