In 2004, the Dave Matthews Band followed up their successful NYC Central Park charity concert with a similar event on the west coast, appearing at the Polo Fields at Golden Gate Park. Tickets were required, but there was no charge for admission. The caveat was that attendees were encouraged to make a donation of $25, $50 or $100 to the Golden Gate Park Bama Works Fund, designated to benefit Bay Area community charities whose areas of focus included homelessness, childhood disease, music education, environmental concerns and park improvement.

Thanks to our ongoing relationship with Another Planet Entertainment and Greg Perloff, The Taylor Family Foundation (TTFF) was selected as one beneficiary of the September 12 event. The packed crowd rocked out to tunes, like “Jimi Thing,” “Joyride,” and “Loving Wings.” To add to the excitement, Carlos Santana joined the band on stage, adding his talents to “Warehouse,” “Sugar Will” and “All Along the Watchtower.”

Although the concert was free, the beer was not!  Concert organizers asked TTFF to manage the VIP Lounges and assist in the beer booths. With just a couple of weeks leading up to the event, TTFF put out a call for help and was able to gather over 100 volunteers who could help assist in the booths.  Elaine remembers the day well and loves to tell the story, “We had no idea what we were getting into, or what the return would be. Over the course of the afternoon, TTFF checked IDs and poured countless beers.” Elaine also remembers going home exhausted, with beer-soaked shoes after working nonstop with no breaks.

Some weeks later at a check presentation ceremony which included then-Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, TTFF was blown away when presented with a donation over $250,000. A portion of these funds were designated to complete TTFF’s amphitheater project used by campers for talent shows, skits nights, campfires and more! It was appropriately named the Dave Matthews Band (DMA) Amphitheater to commemorate the fundraiser. The remaining balance helped start our endowment fund – a huge turning point for the foundation – marking the first time we could save money.