Brothers organize events “for good”

Caleb Lombardo, left, and his brother, Luke, pose backstage during the Concert for Good at the Ocala Civic Theatre in 2023. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]

Anyone who follows the Concert for Good on social media knows that one of the co-founding brothers, Caleb Lombardo, has been at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs for the past several months, meaning he has been helping plan this year’s event long-distance.

Caleb, a graduate of West Port High School, along with his younger brother Luke Lombardo, currently a junior at the school, initiated the fundraising concert as part of an on-going family tradition of finding a way to do something for people or a cause they care about around the holidays. Since 2021, the concerts have raised $56,000 for local nonprofits Brother’s Keeper and the Marion County Children’s Alliance.

Luke is an avid runner, so, this year, the brothers added the 5K for Good, which will begin at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 28 at the Baseline Trailhead. The Concert for Good will begin at 7:30 p.m. that evening at the Ocala Civic Theatre.

On Dec. 14, Caleb flew home to see his brother compete in the annual Ocala Reindeer Run, which posted on its Facebook page: “We witnessed a truly special moment at the finish line today as our champion, Luke, was greeted by his older brother, Caleb. Caleb took a late flight last night, right after finishing his finals at the Air Force Academy, just so he could be here to watch his brother compete.” Luke was the top overall runner in the event and its repeating champion from last year.

The band for the Concert for Good is composed of several musicians who have performed at local churches and schools, ranging in age from 16 to their late 20s. Soon after the run and the musical performance, Caleb will return to Colorado Springs to start the spring semester at the academy.

“It’s a quick trip home, so I am glad we’re doing these events. It brings together my family, friends and so many familiar faces from our community,” Caleb stated.

“Last year, Concert for Good raised $28,000 for the two charities. We would love to break the $30,000 mark this year. I am super appreciative for everything that comes through this concert and for the opportunity to spend extra time with my brother while he is home. None of this would be possible without the help of our community and our sponsors. We can’t thank them enough,” Luke said.

“These events are a community success story. They show the good that God can do through all of us when we commit, and give back what we love, for His glory. That’s why it is all ‘for good,’” Caleb added.

Tickets for the 5K start at $30. Tickets for the concert are $15. To register for the 5K or get concert tickets, go to concertforgood.com

Members of the Concert for Good band perform at the Ocala Civic Theatre on Dec. 29, 2023. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]