A group of Waynesboro students teamed up with students from all over the Valley to raise money for the community by doing what they love.

Rhythm comes naturally for Stuarts Draft High School senior Jordan Fust. He has been playing the drums for three years, but it has always been just a hobby because of his heavy workload as a student.

Fust says, "It brings my self-esteem up and it makes me feel good about myself."

This year, Fust teamed up with his friends from Waynesboro and Augusta County for something big. They decided to use their music, through a band named "Freaky J and the Bears," to give back to the community.

Wilson High School senior Hunter Graham says, "I like playing shows, I like putting shows together. It's even better knowing that we can donate all the money to New Directions."

Graham says they searched the web for a non-profit they wanted to help.

They found themselves knocking on the door of New Directions, a center that helps emotionally- and physically-abused women and children.

New Directions Program Director Claudia Lopez says, "We serve a very wide community and unfortunately domestic violence is something that has always been an issue."

The boys approached the center with an idea to throw a benefit concert involving bands from across the state and the country.

Lopez adds, "We were amazed to see people that young can be so aware of an issue of this magnitude."

She says their generosity comes at a time when funds are needed more than ever.

Lopez says, "There is less money to go around, and there is more need."

Wilson High School senior Jeremy Biby adds, "It's definitely worth it. We all love to do it and it's going to pay off in the end."

Biby says he and the guys have put hours and hours into making this concert one to remember. He says they even reached out to one of their favorite bands on the Internet.

He adds, "As a little joke, at the bottom of their bulletin they put something that said, 'Let us know if you want us to play at your house.' I told them, 'Not my house, how about the gym?'"

They ended up booking the band, "The Reptilian," and a growing list of others.

Graham says all that is left is seeing how much they can raise for New Directions.

Graham says, "I hope we can get one of those big checks and we can walk through the door with $1,000 for New Directions. It would feel so good."

Lopez adds, "These are boys also. It makes it that much more special."

The concert will be held at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton November 21. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. and costs $7, with all proceeds going to New Directions.