Archive for category: What’s New

“When my son Jeriah came to us, he would always complain of these stomach aches. We found out that he had ingested rocks. He was so hungry, neglected and malnourished where he was that he would fill his belly with gravel in order to feel full.” -Michael Ketterer, Influence Music

Michael Ketterer, our headlining artist for Sleepless 2019, made waves in mainstream media last year on America’s Got Talent. He started the season strong winning Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer, but his story captivated hearts across America.

“When we signed up for foster care, our very first call that we got was for 3 little boys being raised in a horrific, meth lab environment. They didn’t have running water or power.”

He and his wife Ivey say it was their daughter, Sofia, who had the idea to adopt from foster care. “It took her 2 years to convince us, and we never dreamed we would be a family of 8.”

The Ketterer family is a perfect example of why Sleepless exists. While they didn’t set out to change the world, they found their purpose and destiny through connecting with kids in their neighborhood…within 14 miles of their home, to be exact. “All our kids have come from pretty desperate situations. Shawn was living homeless on the streets. We got him when he was 4 years old. Rodrigo suffered from shaken infant syndrome.”

Sleepless is a night to inspire all of San Diego to help change the lives of our homeless community. Those local to San Diego see that this is our city’s number one issue. It begs the question: how do we change San Diego?

There’s no silver bullet to solving this issue. We have found that radical transformation happens one life at a time. If our community rallies together to reach those experiencing homelessness, we can see change in San Diego.

“Through the process of adoption, we have learned so much about the Father’s heart. He is not afraid of our brokenness. It doesn’t matter what we are or what we face, He is going to see us through to the end.”

On September 7^th, Michael’s story is one of many that will inspire us. Every person taking the stage has a unique and inspiring story. Some experienced and overcame homelessness. Others have decided to get involved in solving our city’s #1 issue.  All our performers and speakers share the same core belief: homelessness is not a lost cause to God.

What to expect at Sleepless

Sleepless is San Diego’s biggest family-friendly block party celebrating the transformation happening at the Rescue Mission.

Focused on fun for all ages, this year’s event includes amazing musical talent, including:
• Michael Ketterer, finalist for America’s Got Talent, with Air1 and KLove band Influence Music
• Social Beingz, UK-based urban pop duo flying in from Manchester
• Jon Keith, local San Diego rap sensation
• Ruslan, Sleepless host, hip-hop artist, and spoken word poet

Pastor Juan Valdez, lead pastor of Relentless Church, will be sharing his personal testimony of overcoming homelessness in his life. His message is powerful and will fill you with hope!

Expect to find family-fun activities for all ages:
• A silent disco
• “Shop For a Cause” Boutique featuring local artisans giving a percentage of proceeds to the Rescue Mission
• Service projects right onsite at the event
• In-N-Out Burger
• A 12-Hour Prayer Initiative led by local church partners

And of course, the optional overnight ‘Sleep-Out’ in the park to stand united for our brothers and sisters on the streets experiencing homelessness.

Participants are encouraged to make an impact at Sleepless 2019 through Peer-to-peer fundraising. Energetic supporters have already raised nearly $10,000 toward our goal of $50,000 for this year!

To donate, register, or start your own fundraising page, visit SleeplessSanDiego.org

“If 500 people each raised $100 to benefit the homeless, our goal is knocked out easily. I can’t wait to see how God moves through this fundraiser!” -Allegra Vieux, Marketing & Events Coordinator

YOU are the most important part of Sleepless 2019! See you on September 7th-8th.