It’s HAAM Music Monday, powered by FVF Law!
Austin nonprofits looking for a smarter, more effective way to raise money may want to call the Interplanetary Help Desk.
The local organization helps nonprofits plan and execute live music fundraisers, taking the stress out of event production while making sure every dollar goes back to the cause.
CEO and Founder Andy Cernovitz joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to explain how the model works and why it is helping fill a gap in the city’s music and nonprofit communities.
CEO and FOunder Andy Cernovitz joined We Are Austin to explain how the model works and why it is helping fill a gap in the city’s music and nonprofit communities.
A Fundraiser That Works for Everyone
Cernovich says the idea came from seeing two worlds that often struggle to connect: nonprofits and live music.
“Fundraisers are hard to do,” he said. “So we produce the entire fundraiser. They sell the tickets, bring out their people, have a great time, and the nonprofit gets all the money.”
That also means the musicians get paid, the venues get new audiences, and the community gets a fun night out.
“Everybody has fun,” Cernovich said. “Every penny goes back to the nonprofit.”
Building a Bigger Music-For-Good Network
Interplanetary Help Desk’s current project is the Let’s Fund Good concert series, a 12-show lineup supporting 24 different nonprofits.
Interplanetary Help Desk’s current project is the Let’s Fund Good concert series, a 12-show lineup supporting 24 different nonprofits.
Tickets are sold through Interplanetary Help Desk, and buyers choose which organization they want to support.
Interplanetary Help Desk’s current project is the Let’s Fund Good concert series, a 12-show lineup supporting 24 different nonprofits.
“We just pass on your ticket money right to the organization,” Cernovich said.
Half of the concerts feature live bands, while the other half are album-listening parties designed to feel like gathering with friends in a basement, dorm room or living room.
Concerts for Every Kind of Music Fan
The series includes themed nights built around artists like Ariana, The Beatles, Beastie Boys, Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar, The Cure, The Smiths and Depeche Mode.
The series includes themed nights built around artists like Ariana, The Beatles, Beastie Boys, Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar, The Cure, The Smiths and Depeche Mode.
Cernovich says the goal is to make live music more approachable for people who may not usually attend concerts.
“Those are four amazing parties,” he said of the album events. “Everyone in the room knows every word of every song.”
Helping Big and Small Nonprofits Alike
The participating nonprofits range from well-known organizations like Austin Pets Alive! and the Central Texas Food Bank to smaller groups that may not otherwise have the resources to host a major event.
“It’s all about that word community,” Cernovich said.
The organization says it does all the heavy lifting—booking venues, paying bands and producing the event—while nonprofits focus on bringing their supporters.
How to Get Involved
Interplanetary Help Desk is currently looking ahead to its fall fundraising lineup and says it is open to working with nonprofits and sponsors interested in future events.
“We do all the work,” Cernovich said. “We book the venues, we pay the bands and we never take a cut.”
For more information or to get involved, visit InterplanetaryHelpDesk.org.
For more information or to get involved, visit InterplanetaryHelpDesk.org.
HAAM Music Monday is made possible through the support of FVF Law, an Austin-based injury law firm and dedicated member of the Central Texas community. Through this partnership, We Are Austin is able to continue celebrating the incredible local musicians who make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World.
FVF Law believes live music is one of Austin’s most valuable resources and is committed to supporting the artists who bring that music to life. FVF Law provides the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians with year-round support, volunteers, and donations to help further HAAM’s mission of providing affordable healthcare for low-income, working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness.
We are grateful to FVF Law and HAAM for helping keep music in Austin alive and well.
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