Band Together, a volunteer-driven nonprofit co-founded by Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of North Carolina-based distributor Brand Fuel, raised $1.1 million for hurricane relief efforts with a concert and telethon over the weekend.
All proceeds from the “Music for the Mountains” concert – headlined by Old Crow Medicine Show – will directly benefit the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, providing critical resources to communities struggling to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
- Helene caused deadly flooding along Florida’s west coast and in cities of neighboring states such as Asheville, North Carolina, leaving at least 230 people dead across the South, The Associated Press reported.
- The Red Cross is using the donations to operate 20 shelters in North Carolina, helping nearly 1,300 people with a safe space to stay, WRAL News reported.
“Community issues deserve community responses and when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Band Together and its partners responded,” says Rosin, the recipient of the 2023 H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award.
Where there is merch and music, there is unity.”
Danny Rosin, CAS
President/Co-Owner, Brand Fuel
“Thanks to bands that played for free and supplier partners like SanMar, $1.1 million was raised through a concert and telethon in just three and a half weeks! I’m proud to be a part of the work and to be a North Carolinian. Where there is merch and music, there is unity.”
Band Together, which has been using live music as a platform for social change since 2001, partnered with Lincoln Theatre, WRAL and Red Hat Amphitheater to organize the event.
Promo Rallies Together
Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the South, Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida with 120 mph winds, causing massive flooding and spawning several deadly tornados.
The recovery process for the people, homes and businesses in affected areas will be an enormous undertaking.
RELATED: Promo’s Resilience In The Wake Of Back-To-Back Hurricanes
The region has a large promo community, and industry firms – in the area and elsewhere – are providing opportunities to help. PPAI Media is committed to amplifying their efforts.
- If your promotional products company has established a humanitarian response, click here to share details if you would like to be included.
Cat Gagliardo of Branded By Cat Powered By HALO lives in Palm Harbor, Florida, just north of Clearwater and about 40 minutes from Tampa.
She recently told PPAI Media that boxes, gloves and pet items are in short supply. With many suppliers having access to such materials or distributors who have relationships with such vendors, Gagliardo urges the industry to connect with areas affected by the hurricanes to coordinate bulk delivery of such practical items.
RELATED: ‘Most Horrifying 3 Hours Of My Life:’ Promo Pro Recovers From Hurricane Helene
Additionally, for anyone looking for more specific organizations than the American Red Cross to donate financially, Gagliardo has noted local Tampa-area non-profits that are doing what they can to provide immediate relief:
Individuals looking for advice on relief in the area or who would like to help coordinate future efforts are welcome to contact Gagliardo at cat@brandedbycat.com.
Written by: John Corrigan
Published with Permission from PPAI
