This November, Enterprise and OneRepublic put on an epic, one-night-only show that was driven by “paying it forward.” A select number of charities that do immense good for their communities, including One Family Illinois, were rewarded with first access to this special event bringing together do-gooders big and small. Those who do good were given a code for access to the concert, and were invited to share their code with three people they think deserve to be celebrated. One Family Illinois alum, Tevin Marbeth, was among the first to receive a code and traveled to the Los Angeles area to participate as a VIP guest at the once-in-a-lifetime concert.
Tevin Marbeth, Actor and One Family Illinois Alum, “Shares the Code”
One Republic’s Good Life Foundation partnered with Enterprise for the second time for the “Share the Code, Hit the Road” event, a concert and performance series specifically geared to bring together community heroes and leaders doing good for others in need. Beginning in October, those offered the first codes to the event were able to get registered to participate, as well as begin sharing the code with those in their networks they believe embody the qualities of a “do-gooder.”
Among those initially selected for a code was Tevin Marbeth, New Orleans-based actor and One Family Illinois Alum. Tevin, who recently visited One Family Illinois to lend his voice in support of foster care in May, took time to share about his journey to California to be honored at the once-in-a-lifetime concert and event.
“It was beautiful,” Tevin recounted of first seeing the town from inside the luxury vehicle that was rented as a treat for him as a VIP guest. “It was this little pioneer town that they used to use for filming western movies…It was a great space for a concert.”
Tevin told us about how wonderful it was to connect to others in line for the concert, and the praise he received from the crowd for his recognition at the event.
“It was very surreal,” Tevin shared. “I explained that I won the contest because of my experience in foster care, and how I got an opportunity to speak in order to raise awareness for #Voices4FosterCare, and what that experience was like. People were thanking me, and making me feel special. I couldn’t believe I was really there, in the beautiful California desert.”
Tevin shared how perfect the night was for the concert, and how much it meant for him to get to spend time with the band members of OneRepublic, especially Zach Filkins, who Tevin spent time with at the events during Dining & Conversation.
“We got to take a picture with the band. I got to see Zach again. I thanked him for being so kind to me when we met in Chicago,” Tevin offered. “They put on one amazing performance. It was like something out of a dream.”
Before the concert began, a video was shared about the purpose of “Share the Code, Hit the Road,” which highlighted the evening’s VIP guests. OneRepublic offered gratitude to Enterprise for allowing them the opportunity to partner for such an inspiring concert, and stressed the importance of the band’s commitment to celebrating those who choose to give to others.
When reflecting on his experience at the concert, Tevin feels humbled. “In my head, I’m just a regular person,” he shared with our team. “I just believe in raising awareness for children in foster care, especially through One Family Illinois, because what you’re doing is so important, as far as keeping siblings together in foster care. I’m a living example of what can happen when you’re in a family environment growing up; what it can lead to for success.”
Gratitude for Good Life Foundation, OneRepublic, and Enterprise
We are tremendously grateful for the ongoing support of OneRepublic’s Good Life Foundation, and for their partnership with Enterprise for “Share the Code, Hit the Road.” From Zach Filkin’s participation as a 2019 Dining & Conversation Luminary and hosting a music workshop at our Lockport Village, to OneRepublic offering the star treatment to our alum, support like yours helps to bring important awareness to our mission, and value to the lives of our youth. Thank you for helping to bring “the good life” to One Family Illinois!
About Good Life Foundation
The OneRepublic Good Life Foundation is a public non-profit organization founded by the members of OneRepublic. The foundation is dedicated to giving those in need of help the chance to live a good life.
According to Ryan Tedder, OneRepublic’s lead vocalist:
“We’ve had the opportunity as a band the last several years to travel around the world and witness firsthand some of the worst and best living situations on earth. From shanty towns in Africa without electricity or water, to the worst neighborhoods in our own backyards. It has reinforced our fundamental belief that no matter what family, city, country, or economic environment you are born into, you deserve the right to a good life.
The OneRepublic Good Life Foundation is a vehicle for us as a band to use our resources and network to provide relief for a multitude of causes on a global scale.
One day it’s providing clean water, the next its medicine or food for kids in need. The goal is, in the end, to do what we can, while we can, to ensure as many people in the world have a chance at living a good life.”
The Good Life Foundation is dedicated to the idea that no matter the circumstances or environment a person is born into, they deserve the right to a good life.