About Band Together

Download May 19, 2008 Press Release

Band Together's mission is to raise funds and awareness for select charities through events that showcase and support musical talent.

On September 12th, 2001 two friends, Phil Gruber and Danny Rosin, met to discuss what instrumental role they could play in responding to the terrors of 9/11. Neither were firemen. Because they lived in Raleigh, NC, far from where the horrific tragedies occurred, onsite assistance would be an impasse. There were no existing, trusted charitable outlets. Despite these obstacles, they had a deep sense that they could do, and had to do, something. They knew they were not alone in their desire to help as they watched reruns on the news of innocent people jumping to their deaths.

Over the next several weeks, they brought together a group of more than 40 young business leaders from across the Triangle to raise awareness and money for the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. They created an organization called Band Together for Our Heroes (visit website). In October, 2001, through their collective efforts, they produced a 4-band event that brought over 1000 people together, raising over $60,000 for NYC and DC Family Relief efforts.

Since then, Band Together has formed a 501c3 non-profit run 100% by volunteer efforts. Other successful events have included raising money and awareness for SAFEchild, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle, Wake County Boys and Girls Clubs, Special Olympics North Carolina, Operation Smile, Music Maker Relief Foundation, Stop Hunger Now for Tsunami Relief, and The Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina for local and Gulf Coast Katrina Relief.

The 100's of volunteers, over 11,000 event-goers, and sponsors of Band Together NC have raised over $530,000 in NET proceeds for these charities. And the best part, 100% of net proceeds go directly to the charities we serve. We are proud to call the Triangle area home and to have the privilege of serving our community. Please join us.

Band Together was awarded the Independent Weekly's coveted Citizen's Award.

Event Testimonials

"Band Together raised considerable awareness and funds for the Music Maker Relief Foundation through a fabulous event featuring Derek Trucks. This dynamic group of young business leaders is very committed improving community life in the Triangle."

Tim Duffy, President, Music Maker Relief Foundation

"In just ten weeks, you raised over $125,000 in corporate donations and ticket sales; you have put SAFEchild's name in front of more individuals and businesses through direct contact, speaking engagements and media placements than we would ever have been able to do without you; and you have certainly raised the bar when it comes to event planning and execution. The energy that has come from the grassroots Band Together committee is contagious, not only for SAFEchild, but for the community at large. Thank you for your selfless commitment to improving the lives of others. You guys rock!"

Linda Nunnallee, Development Director, SAFEchild

"Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina was a proud Presenting Sponsor of Band Together's benefit in Spring 2001 to raise over $60,000 for September 11th relief charities. This event provided Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina with a valuable sponsorship opportunity with solid media outlets and exposure where we were able to exercise our continued role as a dedicated corporate citizen."

Scott Scazafavo of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of NC on Band Together for Our Heroes

"Honeywell was proud to be a fall sponsor of Band Together for Special Olympics North Carolina. Seeing the impact the event had on the Special Olympics athletes that participated is what Band Together is all about...making a difference. We realize that corporate sponsorship is vital to the success of Band Together's mission and Honeywell will definitely consider being a sponsor for future events. Our thanks to the Band Together crew for creating an organization with this much heart and passion."

Gene Foster of Honeywell Building Solutions on Band Together for Special Olympics

"Sponsoring Band Together for Special Olympics North Carolina was a fantastic way for Principal Financial Group to show our commitment to the community. The event was great...the music, the food, the networking, and most importantly the focus on the athletes of Special Olympics. My colleagues and I are looking forward to even more participation in future events hosted by Band Together."

Jason Earnest of Principal Financial Group on Band Together for Special Olympics

"Rex Healthcare feels that by giving back to the community we will encourage other local corporations to do the same. As the presenting sponsor, Rex Healthcare supports Operation Smile's goal to improve smiles not only in the Triangle but also throughout the world by repairing childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families."

Pam Yelverton of Rex Healthcare on Band Together for Operation Smile

"I can't begin to tell all of you how amazing Sat. night was...from start to finish. Your dedication to the event, to SAFEchild and to the highest levels of excellence was something to behold. On behalf of the many, many children who you will never meet but who you care so deeply about I thank you-and want you to know all your hard work, all your time, and all your love for doing what is right is inspirational. I already envy the agency you will select to work with next year...whichever agency it may be they will be most fortunate."

Marjorie Menestres, Executive Director for SAFEchild

"You raised funds, raised awareness and definitely raised the bar. It has been a pleasure working with each of you. YOU ARE AN AMAZING GROUP. Thank you so much for everything."

Kimberly Breeden, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle.

"Saturday night was amazing. The folks at Band Together put on a first-class concert while also effectively spreading awareness of and raising money for SAFEchild. To be outside at the concert in downtown Raleigh in perfect weather with good friends was a great way to spend a Saturday night while also doing good work for the community. The VIP area was outstanding and every aspect of the night was well-organized, fun and impressive. Each and every person I spoke with from Band Together was highly complimentary of SAFEchild, and the results effectuated by the excellent team work and synergy of our collective staffs. Working together, Band Together and SAFEchild have raised the bar in terms of what can be accomplished here in Wake County. I was just and continue to be proud to be associated with SAFEchild and Band Together.

Well done, and many thanks to all for their efforts and contributions to making Wake County safer for children and families."

Lee M. Whitman, Sponsor, WYRICK ROBBINS YATES & PONTON LLP

"Band Together is a refreshing and innovative group people who want to have a positive impact on those who need an extra hand in life. Through Band Together events, hundreds of thousand of dollars have been raised for worthwhile charities in our own community. Special Olympics is fortunate to have been one of the initial nonprofit groups supported by Band Together and we will be forever grateful for the funds we received that helped to provide sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities."

Keith L. Fishburne, President/CEO, Special Olympics North Carolina

"I wanted to let Band Together know how pleased the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle (BBBST) is with the results of our partnership with BT. Saturday's event with headliner Son Volt was a resounding success. Because of the tireless efforts of our combined team, over $68,000 will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle. More importantly, we signed a number of prospective big brothers and big sisters at the event and a couple thousand people heard our message, including Mayor Charles Meeker, several city council members and a host of potential donors and volunteers.

On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success. It was a joy to work with such a passionate and well organized team. Together, Band Together and The BBBST board and volunteers met and exceeded our original fundraising goal that will ultimately help us to serve more at-risk kids in the Triangle area.

I got a little bit choked up as I left the stage thinking of everything this team has done on behalf of at risk kids in the Triangle. Safe to say everyone involved fully embodied and embraced the Band Together motto of "Raise Funds, Raise Awareness, Raise the Bar."

Thank you,

John Stump, President, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle

"BIG hearts, BIG bands, and BIG money raised – over $47,000! Thank you, Band Together, for jumping into action and organizing this event for hurricane relief. Band Together is an amazing group of dedicated people, and it's evident by this event that not only are you dedicated to the effort of hurricane relief, you are dedicated to making a difference in the world today. We are so grateful and appreciative for all your hard work on behalf of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina."

Nancy Novell, Special Events and Food Drive Manager, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina