Vagabonds United... for a Cause

July 14, 2009 1:35 PM
by Marcos Colón

The city of Miami is no stranger to homelessness, and for those of us who indulge in nightlife, we’ve all definitely seen serious cases in our own nocturnal playgrounds. While many of us may think that we’re making a big impact by sparing some change to someone we’ve never met before, there’s always the thought of not knowing where that money will be spent. Not enough is being done in the city to help a cause that could get troubled individuals back on their feet again, and into a home. However, this week one nightlife venue has decided to step up to the challenge and attempt to create an event that has the type of significance that could potentially make a difference in one organization’s attempts to help the cause.

This Thursday night The Vagabond, in collusion with Shake and generous support from CoolJunkie, New Times, GTC Media and Clubflyers, present a benefit event for the Community Partnership for Homeless, a very special organization whose efforts have helped homeless individuals in Miami get off of the streets and start a new life. The event with feature the sounds of legendary EDM artist, and Ophir’s good friend and business partner, John Digweed.

“One of the main reasons I’m doing this event is to create awareness of these types of facilities,” Ophir says. “It’s not that we feel that we can solve the homeless issue unilaterally, however, this is what the Community Partnership for Homeless specializes in, and by helping them we’re reaching that goal by default.”

The Community Partnership for Homeless played an integral role in introducing the neighborhood to Ophir when The Vagabond was still in the works last year. This Thursday night The Vagabond thanks them for this, and have opened up a new angle to their relationship.

“Some people really want to help, but you mostly see this happen during a big dramatic disaster, such as a hurricane,” Ophir says. “Everyone wants to give at that point, however, those things subside.”

There’s no doubt that the event this Thursday night will definitely pack the house, seeing as John Digweed will take command behind the decks. Digweed is no stranger to benefit events. He’s been involved with numerous events in the UK to raise money for cancer research after his father passed away from the disease.

“I was speaking to Carmel about possibly doing a summer show and we both thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for one of the local community organizations,” Digweed says. “With the CPHI being so close it seemed to be the ideal cause. The main objective is to raise awareness of the problem in the city. These are tough times for people so a little help goes a long way.”

Ophir and Digweed met through a working relationship. Ophir booked Digweed in the 90s during the Groove Jet years, and continuously worked together. Through that they developed a kinship on the level of their common interests. Since then it’s been a very close-knit tie.

“This event offers a unique component, in that we’re celebrating through music, but making a difference at the same time,” Digweed says. “Hopefully people will see this and think that it’s a positive move for the area and will try and think of other ways to contribute to the same cause.”

One thing’s for sure, he’s extremely pleased with the involvement of media outlets that have helped prepare for the event, because as we all know it takes more than one person to truly make an impact on such a big cause.

“I can’t tell you how much immense appreciation I have for the supporters of this event,” Ophir says. “CoolJunkie, New Times, GTC Media, Club Flyers, they’ve all been great and it’s just so appreciated.”

This event could very well be a catalyst for more events to come. Ophir believes that although this does help the facility and the cause, there’s much more work that needs to be done in order to make a significant difference for the tougher times to come.

“I would like to see things like this be more frequent than just an annual event,” he says. “Once a year is nice, but homelessness is everyday. This week I’m going to have a meeting and request members of my staff to volunteer some time to help out at the facility. It’s not about just giving money, it’s about giving time. It’s karmically positive.”

Ophir has even flirted with the idea of offering employment for the successful individuals to come out of the Community Partnership for the Homeless.

“People don’t really want free handouts after getting back on their feet,” he says. “They want their dignity, they want to work for their money. Down the road that’s an opportunity that I’m looking to give to people.”

Click here to get your tickets for the benefit event now.