The inaugural Rock the Cause for MISSION 34 on February 1st last winter raised $370,000 to further the work of eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness. Tickets to the event sold out in one day, literally in hours. Held at The Big Chill, Rock the Cause was a new event for the locally created non-profit Mission 34 that set out to create a new standard for ‘fun in fundraising.’ Six local singers took to the stage along with the Bad Daddies in an epic Battle of the Rockstars, and a spectacular time was had by all. This was a SERIOUSLY fun fundraiser.
What is Rock the Cause for MISSION 34
Mission 34 was organized in honor and loving memory of Sean P. Bonner, Jr. who died by suicide at age 20.
Sean was a Latin Hawk and beloved friend to many, who was strong in body, but silently battling mental illness, and whose untimely death stunned all.
Mission 34 seeks to raise awareness, urging openness and support for mental health struggles. With the tagline A New Type of Tough, Mission 34 emphasizes that seeking help shows strength, not weakness.
Read Sean’s Story here, along with more on the co-founders’ — his parents and his friend Peter — goals for the non-profit, which has a particular emphasis on Collegiate Chapters and support.
The Performers aka The Rock Stars
Photos from the Night
Photo Credit: Allison Wilkins
Photo Credit: Amy Hart Studios
About Mission 34
Mission 34 was founded in memory of Sean P. Bonner Jr., a talented athlete and student who silently battled mental health struggles exacerbated by undiagnosed concussions. Founded after Sean died in 2018, the organization empowers young people to talk openly about mental health, access resources, and support one another. To date, Mission 34 has started 12 City and Campus Chapters where students lead their community in raising awareness around the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. Each chapter holds organized awareness and speaker events and suicide prevention trainings. For more information, visit www.mission34.org.
