The Sidewalk Angels Foundation will ring in its 10th anniversary with a new twist. Returning to the Borgata Casino Music Box in Atlantic City, N.J., for a third consecutive year of benefit shows (Jan. 17-19), the nonprofit organization — founded by Matchbox 20 frontman Rob Thomas and his wife, Marisol-will also bring its cause to the West Coast.
Thomas is set to perform at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif., on March 30. All four dates fit into Thomas’ larger solo tour that will begin at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa, Okla. (Jan. 29).
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The Atlantic City dates have sold out. “The first year was supposed to be a one-off,” Marisol says. “But the Borgata offered us the yearly spot. It’s wonderful: My husband gets to do what he loves to do, and we get to raise a great amount of money and awareness for our foundation.”
The intimate acoustic shows will feature Thomas performing a range of hits from his Matchbox 20 and solo material as well as covers. He describes the concerts as “singer/songwriter storyteller events — a shared moment with a small group of people. I’m also getting ready to start back in the solo world, so it’s good to get back to some of these songs.”
Monies raised will benefit New York-based Sidewalk Angels, an umbrella organization that provides funds and resources for grass-roots causes ranging from no-kill animal shelters and animal rescue centers, to childhood health and wellness organizations, to the fight against homelessness. Marisol has been involved in animal rescue since the age of 10. Rob connected with her lifelong passion, having witnessed the effects of animal neglect growing up in rural Florida.
One beneficiary of the pair’s work is the Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, N.Y. “Mari and I have been able to help Pets Alive grow to three locations including Puerto Rico, which we helped build,” Rob adds. “It’s the first no-kill shelter in Puerto Rico with its own medical facility.”