Coconut Grove welcomed The Woodystock Benefit Concert, on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Peacock Park. The benefit aimed to raise money and awareness for people suffering with spinal chord injuries. The Woody Foundation is a non-profit organization, named after James Woody Beckham, who suffered from a spinal chord injury in 2011, while playing rugby for Florida Atlantic University against no other than the University of Miami. At just 22 years old, Beckham sustained a complete cervical spinal cord injury that rendered him paralyzed from the chest down.
Now, according to the Woody Foundation’s website, Beckham lives at home with his family and receives outpatient physical therapy three times a week. He’s currently working for a business degree in finance or accounting at Florida International University and regularly attends sporting events. His family formed the Woody Foundation, Inc., soon after the accident to raise awareness and lend financial support to organizations helping to rehabilitate and cure paralysis.
The second annual benefit included performances by DJ Brett Beats Bailey, cutting-edge Chicago based violinist Katarina Visnevska, Colombian/Latin reggae group Magical Beat, adored Miami locals Robby Hunter Band, Vancouver based indie soul band The Booms Booms, and South Florida reggae legends Fourth Dimension. Check out the photo recap below and see what you missed!
You can always volunteer or donate at The Woody Foundation. The organization has multiple events throughout the year so be sure to check on the website for the next event!
words_melissa mallin & rouyao li. photo_ rouyao li.