Hey, guys! What’s up?
So, here’s the first ever EXCLUSIVE interview with the one and only Vic Fuentes, from Pierce The Veil, about becoming CEO and Co-Chairman of Living The Dream Foundation! So glad he took the time to talk about it with me! Thank you, Vic!
If you want to know more about LTDF, here’s their website!
Q: First of all, I’d like to ask you about how was the first contact with the Foundation and how did Scottie Somers got in touch with you about it. Please, also introduce the LTDF for us!
A: My band, Pierce The Veil, has been working with Living The Dream Foundation for several years on Warped Tour and other rock festivals and we always loved what they did and being involved. It’s a simple concept with a monumental impact. Connecting kids who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses with their heroes and giving them a VIP experience that they’ll never forget is such a great way to lift their spirits.
Our founder, Scottie Somers lives with the disease, Cystic Fibrosis and he needed someone to help continue the LTDF mission and grow the foundation for the future.
Q: Being someone who’s always on tour, living your life as a rockstar, dealing with a great fanbase, automatically, you’re always on the public eye. What was the moment when you thought to yourself ”Okay, now I’m good, I’ll dedicate myself to help other people from now on.” How did people around you accepted the news? Any kind of backlashing at all or there were only good comments?
A: I think it was one of those moments in life where you are presented with a big decision and you have the choice whether to peruse it or not. I have always had a big place in my heart for LTDF and I feel like I’m making the right decision. Kevin Lyman, the founder of Warped Tour told me, “Everyone has to stand for something at some point.” This is something I believe in and stand for.
Everyone, including our fans, have been so supportive and have really started to take action themselves to help us out.
Q: What was the main concern you held on accepting this position? And what are your plans, as the CEO and Co-Chairman, to bring even more opportunities and new projects for the Foundation?
A: My main concern in the beginning was that the nonprofit world is completely new to me and I have so much to learn. Thankfully, we have an amazing staff who has committed their life’s work to doing this, so I am learning from some of the best!
My plan is to bring LTDF into the public eye in order to bring us more opportunities. I am using my platform as a musician to raise awareness about our mission so that we can get more support and continue to grow. My girlfriend, Danielle Perry is handling our marketing as well. We have completely rebranded the company and given everything a fresh look.
Q: What was your biggest challenge at the Foundation so far?
A: The biggest challenge is the deeply emotional aspect of the company. It is hard to wrap your head around the hardships that our guests are going through. It really makes you appreciate life and see things from a new perspective.
Q: Do you guys have plans for a Foundraising festival in the name of LTDF?
A: We have actually been speaking to some people recently about doing a golf tournament fundraiser soon. In the future, we’d love to put on a music festival for LTDF.
Q: Name one of the most memorable moments while working with LTDF.
A: When my band was working with LTDF years ago, we met a kid name Harold, who was battling cancer. He came out to a show with his mom and we got to hang out backstage and take photos. He was the sweetest kid and we were lucky to have met him. Harold has since passed, but I like that we can play our part in carrying on his legacy and celebrating his life and his bravery.
Q: What is the #DREAMDAY?
A: A #DREAMDAY is a rich and rewarding experience for a child or young adult living with a life-threatening illness to promote the powerful message of ‘Living The Dream’ each day, regardless of their affliction. They can include meet n’ greets with their heroes, VIP access to concerts and special events, hospital visits, surprise gifts and beyond.
*Watch how #DREAMDAY works!
Q: What other artists are also involved in the #DREAMDAY experience? The bands come to you to offer the experience or they’re invited by you?
A: We have worked with tons of amazing bands and artists over the years. Some of the artists that we have built relationships with and have worked with multiple times include Slipknot, The Used, Blink 182 and Papa Roach. We have recently done Dream Days with Billie Eillish, Luke Bryan and Korn. The wonderful thing about what we do is that we are simply getting together with our friends in the music and entertainment industry for a good cause. It doesn’t take much to make a huge impact on someone’s life.
Q: How do you feel about music helping people to stay so positive while fighting such difficult things?
A: It’s truly amazing to witness our guest’s energy and mood become so high and uplifted simply by bringing them out to a concert and letting them meet their heroes. We’ve heard stories about listening to music during their treatments to distract them from the pain and to make them feel comfortable. Music can bring so much joy and healing, especially to those in need.
Q: Tell us about how we can donate to help more children to accomplish their dreams? And how about the fundraising, how can people help?
A: There’s so many ways to help! Donations are what keep us alive and able to continue our work. You can donate or fundraise by visiting our website LTDFoundation.org. Fundraising is crucial as well! A perfect example of fundraising would be to donate your birthday. So, instead of asking for presents, you tell all of your friends that you just want them to donate to Living The Dream Foundation for your birthday. Click the Fundraising button on our website to start your own!
Q: What is that one goal that you would like to reach with LTDF?
A: I just want to see us continue to grow. Longevity and sustainability is the goal for any nonprofit. To touch as many afflicted lives as possible.
Q: Knowing that you also have a band, Pierce The Veil, tell us about the connection that you have between your music with the people that you’ve helped in the Foundation. Are there any special cases that you remember where a fan came to you for a #DreamDay? How was that experience?
A: Pierce The Veil fans have been incredibly supportive of LTDF. We have received thousands of dollars in donations from the PTV fan community and we are so thankful to have them by our side!
Q: How do you manage the work between LTDF and Pierce The Veil?
A: I’ve been focused on nothing but music for the last 15 years of my life, so it’s really nice to have something else that I can focus on. I really enjoy using my brain in different ways, especially for this cause.
Q:Are you guys planning on becoming an international foundation or it will be mainly for the US children?
A: We have already done Dream days in other countries and we will continue to help out wherever we can!
Q: How can fans from Brazil help the Foundation?
A: Please spread awareness and tell all your friends about our mission. Right now, we just want everyone to know about what our foundation is. If anyone is able, donations and fundraising would be a huge help as well.
Q: And finally, please, send a message to all your fans in Brazil who also struggle with diseases and feel like music is their major happiness. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us! We wish you a very good luck and a lot of success on that new phase of your life!
A: Our founder, Scottie’s advice for anyone struggling with a life-threatening illness is to focus on the moment. Don’t worry about next week, next year, etc. The dream is today.
So, this is it! I hope you all enjoyed this interview as much as I did! Share it with your friends and spread the word about Living The Dream Foundation!
