When Local Santa Cruz Software Companies meet on August 28th to fight for the title: "Surf Town's most Rocking Software Company" there will be much more than bragging rights at stake. The 'battle of the bands' event will benefit 'New Horizons School', a privately funded institution aimed at providing education and nourishment for homeless children. The event came about when engineers from local companies Integrated Systems and Treehouse Software Consulting Group met for lunch at a local restaurant. "We started reflecting on how lucky software people are to have great jobs and time for creative interests, such as music, as well. Once we realized just how fortunate we are, we all agreed that it would be great to stage an event getting us all together to do something to help others" says ISI's Mike Weisert.

Apart from the satisfaction derived from helping others, the 'Showdown' organizers also believes the event participants will benefit from meeting and getting to know other local software people and companies.

"Having had the pleasure of working with people at quite a few local software companies, I know for a fact that they are a smart and compassionate bunch. As a group we realize the importance of good education in life. This is what 'New Horizons School' is all about. I hope we can all get together and show we care at the ‘Showdown in Surf Town’ says Treehouse Software Consulting Group’s Lars Frid-Nielsen