11:11 A.M. | Awareness For Cancer Treatment & Research
ith all the long running and just blossoming non-profits out there on Warped Tour and beyond, its hard to keep them all straight. But one that has been catching my eye for the past several years is 11:11 A.M. which aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment and research. The charity was formed by Adam DeAngelis and friends after Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia back in 2005. The name itself stems from the classic SoCo song “Konstantine” and the belief of making a wish every time you see the clock at 11:11 A.M. We caught up with founder DeAngelis while he juggled the gauntlet that is Warped Tour. Thank you for your time Adam.
You guys were out on Warped Tour all summer for your third year in a row. How was this summer for you guys?
Adam DeAngelis: Summer has been extremely busy. Going out on Warped Tour under a new name like Dear Jack, we didn’t know what to expect. Though, after a few dates, we started to gain some momentum. We sold out of a lot of merchandise items which then led us to ordering more and exploring new designs.
With the rising popularity of non profits among this music scene in the last five years or so, how do you continue to be original and grab people’s attention? There must be more and more non profits out on tours like this every year.
AD: Research. Research. Research. You almost need to be a step ahead of the market when it comes to merchandise designs or unique ideas. I truly believe the non-profits we travel with come up with some of the greatest merchandise designs. Every year, new non-profits join the tour so an organization must make their message to kids unique and attention grabbing.
How did this cause come about? If you don’t mind us asking, was there something personal in your life that sparked 11:11 A.M.?
AD: Jenny, Melly, and I started 11:11 A.M. around five years ago after Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a way to bring awareness to the importance of cancer research. Since its inception, we have grown into a much larger staff.
Personally, I have had loved ones pass away from cancer. When you’re young, you don’t really understand what cancer is. You just know it takes away those you love. When I was in college and witnessed more friends and family getting sick, I knew that this cause was going to help.
You’ve worked alongside the Dear Jack Foundation to help raise donations for young adult cancer research. How has working alongside Andrew helped or changed your charity?
AD: Well, when it comes to tour, we had more items available to help raise money for the cause. With Andrew’s backing, we were able to set up more signings, acoustic sets, and kids knew the Dear Jack name more. It was also great to be able to sell the Dear Jack documentary on tour.
What role has the music scene played in the charity gaining exposure?
AD: Everything. We started in the music scene and it is what’s made us who we are today. If it weren’t for music, I would not have made this charity. It was through Andrew’s music that I met some of my best friends who work on staff for 11:11 A.M. Bands are always looking to get involved and help spread the word which helps with our exposure.
What can we do and where can we go to donate through 11:11 A.M.?
AD: Easiest place to go is www.1111am.com and click on “Store”. We have some cool merch items up. We also have two collab shirts out with www.snakesandsuits.com and www.workisnotajob.com. 
