One of the best things about Foster The People isn't just their music and onstage persona, but also their down to earth generosity. I'm talking of course about the Do Good Bus. I've known about artists donating to charity by way of benefit galas, but since converting to a Foster Kid, I've now learned about this nifty way to help the community. Let's get it!
Foster The People made a huge impact with their debut “Torches” as well as the rest of the 2010's with two additional albums. The band continued to ride this wave of success by introducing the Do Good Bus. Created by sibling duo Mark and Rebecca Pontius, the two came up with a way to advocate for communities by bringing people together in the best way possible: an old fashion school bus.
According to an article from PR News Wire published July 2011, Foster The People were so amped for this partnership, the boys made it a point to stop at every city on their first official US tour beginning later that year.
“We've been looking for a way to help the communities we visit on tour by giving back locally. We're really excited the Do Good Bus can help us achieve this and also get our fans involved at the same time,” says the band.
Enlisting in this event requires participants to ride to a secret location and volunteer in community service. That's equal parts exciting as it is nerve wracking for someone who's as anxious as I am. However, I support their willingness to make the world a better place, and maybe, once I get over my social anxieties, it'd be a fun thing to do one day.
According to a YouTube description under a video announcing the band's first tour, the intention couldn't be more clear.
"Foster The People partnered with Do Good Bus on their North American tour from September 13th to October 20, 2011. The band focused on doing local charity work across twenty two cities by filling a bus with volunteers coast to coast."
Check out Startsomegood.com for more information about giving back in your own community.
I'm curious what's next for the Do Good Bus in 2024 and beyond. Will they continue to tour alongside the band? What's their next move as of the new year? I'm itching to know!
Check out Rebecca Pontius talking about the Do Good Bus in a video below.