Musings from Sag Harbor: How we found inspiration by helping others

As a marketing agency, sometimes we are asked to do things that don’t directly impact our bottom line. We consider all these requests carefully because we know there’s a need in the world for compassion and helping others.

Several years ago, when a client reached out with an “opportunity”, we were all ears but perhaps a bit skeptical. Little did we know then, what would happen next—that these young men, mostly severely injured war vets—would capture our hearts and imaginations with their creativity, talents, and resilience.

This band of young vets found healing, hope, and renewed life in playing music together. And they had a vision to do more. They wanted to take their story of hope on the road to reach other vets who were struggling. Encouraged by a supportive network, they came together and created their band, The Resilient.

And they embody that name.

The statistics for vets returning to “normal life” post war are grim. With their physical and mental health issues, suicides are triple the rate of the national average. Every member of The Resilient has personal experience with this crisis and they want to do more.

“Showing support of veterans and reminding them their lives are worth living,” is their credo.

The band initially asked us to help with their branding, website, videos, and marketing materials, and we were all in.

Since then, they’ve grown from a group of guys playing music to a real-deal, on-tour rock band who writes and performs original music to large crowds of fans from all walks of life, not just other vets.

And that’s how we found ourselves at the Sag Harbor Music Fest on a cloudy weekend in September. To provide support—both emotional and creative—and to see our new friends live their passion.

Because they’ve been injured by war, they need help getting around. They’re very self-motivated to do more for others who have been in their situations. But they need money to do it, along with an official organization to manage it. And so, The Reborn Project was born.

The Reborn Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, organized to help injured people thrive in life. The non-profit supports “Beacon” projects like The Resilient by providing the funds for the band to travel, play music and keep hope alive for those who have all but lost hope. Their plan is to find other “Beacons” to support as they grow.

The Sag Harbor Music Fest was the opportunity for The Resilient to unveil The Reborn Project, show their talent, and tell their story.

Turns out it’s an important part of our story now too.

Learn more about The Reborn Project and donate here.