By Dathan Kazsuk
Band Together has a pretty good self-description.
The Raleigh nonprofit calls itself the “mullet” of the nonprofit world: business in the front, party in the back.
It’s funny, but after 25 years, it also fits.
Since 2001, Band Together has combined live music, corporate partnerships, volunteers, and community support to raise money and awareness for nonprofits across the Triangle. This fall, the organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary with its biggest annual gathering, the Mighty Giveback, returning to downtown Raleigh on October 10.
For Executive Director Thorne Daubenspeck, the anniversary is both a celebration and an opportunity to recognize the people who have kept Band Together moving for a quarter century.
“I think this is just our first moment of taking a pause,” Daubenspeck says. “We’re really proud of the work we’ve done, and 25 years is tough in the nonprofit world.”
Born From a Moment of Unity
Band Together’s story began after Sept. 11, 2001.
Five friends wanted to do something from Raleigh to support New York City firefighters. They tossed around ideas until co-founder Danny Rosin suggested a concert.
“Music brings people together,” Daubenspeck says. “Let’s throw a concert.”
Two New York firefighters were brought to Raleigh and honored, and the inaugural event raised approximately $63,000. What could have remained a one-time fundraiser instead sparked something much larger.
Band Together became a nonprofit and initially responded to major disasters and emergencies before gradually shifting its attention toward organizations closer to home.
“It really morphed into this partnership philanthropy,” Daubenspeck says. “Let’s figure out some local nonprofits here in the Triangle that we can help provide a stage for—no pun intended—but uplift them, help them realize their potential faster.”
Today, Band Together has raised more than $15.4 million and supported more than 160 nonprofit organizations during its 25-year history.
More Than Writing a Check
In 2026, Band Together is partnering with The Raleigh Music Collective, Oak City Cares, and PORCH Communities to address music education, homelessness, and food insecurity.
Selecting those organizations is only the beginning.
Band Together increasingly sees its role as building relationships and introducing nonprofit partners to businesses, sponsors, and others who may continue supporting their work long after the Mighty Giveback ends.
Even organizations that apply but aren’t selected remain part of that network.
“We recognize community and connection being such critical components of our mission,” says Operations Director Sarah Pierson. “Those relationships and maintaining them really do matter to us.”
That relationship-driven approach also extends to the companies supporting Band Together. Daubenspeck says the organization increasingly looks for strategic partners rather than simply sponsors—businesses interested in developing a relationship throughout the year instead of placing a logo at one event.
That matters because producing a major benefit concert isn’t getting any easier.
Booking artists has become more expensive and competitive, while nonprofits are competing for corporate and individual dollars in an increasingly crowded fundraising landscape.
Daubenspeck doesn’t sugarcoat it.
“It’s a grind,” he says. “There’s nothing easy about it. But it’s a fun grind. It’s a good payoff at the end.”
Where Music Meets the Mission
That payoff becomes visible on concert night.
This year’s Mighty Giveback will bring JJ Grey & Mofro and The 502s to the Lincoln Theatre outdoor stage, with legendary bassist George Porter Jr. scheduled as part of the pre-show festivities.
The goal is to draw several thousand people for a night that feels as much like a downtown block party as a traditional fundraiser.
And somewhere between the music, drinks and celebration comes the moment Pierson says continues to remind her what Band Together is really about.
Before the headliner performs, representatives take the stage with the nonprofit partners and reveal the amount raised.
“You’re surrounded by the people who have helped you raise it—the board members and volunteers and the impact partners,” she says. “There’s something really magical about that moment.”
Many people in the audience may have initially purchased a ticket simply because they wanted to see the band.
Band Together wants them leaving with something else.
“Their ticket matters,” Daubenspeck says.
That ability to introduce new people to philanthropy through something they already love—music—may be one reason the model has continued working for 25 years.
Pierson says younger volunteers regularly approach Band Together because music provides an immediate connection.
“They are looking for a way to stay connected to something that they’re already super passionate about,” she says. “And we happen to fit that bill.”
A 25-Year Thank You
Daubenspeck isn’t approaching the anniversary as a victory lap.
He calls it something closer to a love letter.
A thank-you to the sponsors who return year after year. To the volunteers who help build the event. To the nonprofit partners. To the musicians. And to the thousands of people who bought a ticket because they loved the headliner and discovered something more along the way.
“I really want them to go home with a sense of who we are and what they’re a part of,” Daubenspeck says.
After 25 years, Band Together’s formula remains remarkably simple.
Bring people together.
Turn up the music.
Have one hell of a party.
