On February 1, at The Big Chill, a new event for the locally created non-profit Mission 34 is going to set a new standard for ‘fun in fundraising‘ when six definitely-not-professional-singers locals join the Bad Daddies in an epic Battle of the Rockstars.
These six brave souls, Charlotteans all, will sing their hearts out in a competion to raise the most funds and get the most cheers for Rock the Cause to raise awareness for mental health struggles. Fave local band the Bad Daddies will provide back-up and entertainment for the evening.
Tickets sold out in one day, literally in hours.
There is a waitlist though, and donations are open to support the rockstars competing and help them win – every dollar donated will be considered a vote for your favorite Rockstar. You can click thru here to read about each of the six competitors, and vote with your donation.
Mission 34 – A New Type of Tough
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, emphasizing 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.
We all, surely, know someone struggling with mental illness, and have been touched by suicide in some way. The mission to eliminate the stigma associated with mental struggles, thoughts of suicide, and seeking help, is so worthy of your consideration and support. If you were not one of the lucky early birds to snag your tickets to this amazing event, please pick one (or more) of the Rockstars below and donate to vote your support today.
Meet The Rockstars
- Carson Clough: Paralympic silver medalist and co-founder of Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, Carson turned a life-changing accident into a story of resilience, becoming a world-class para triathlete and motivational speaker.
- Kelly Frenzel: Founder of Frenzel Properties, Kelly brings decades of real estate expertise and community leadership, building trusted relationships across Charlotte.
- Kelvin Anderson: CEO of Madison Homebuilders, Kelvin combines business acumen with a passion for community service, supporting numerous charitable and civic organizations.
- Juliet Lam Kuehnle: A mental health advocate and founder of Sun Counseling & Wellness, Juliet is on a mission to normalize conversations around mental wellness through therapy, speaking, and writing.
- Katharine Cowan: A dedicated wife, mother, and community leader, Katharine has spent years championing education and supporting Charlotte nonprofits and schools.
- Kallaway Tuttle: Mental health advocate, Kallaway promotes wellness while balancing her love of fitness, faith, and community.
“Rock the Cause is more than a fundraiser; it’s a platform for change,” said Heather Bonner, founder of Mission 34 and Sean’s mother. “Together, we can shift the narrative around mental health, showing that asking for help is not a weakness but a New Type of Tough.”
Mission 34 Rock The Cause
February 1, 2025
The Big Chill
911 East Morehead Street
TICKET WAITLIST HERE | DONATIONS / VOTES HERE
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.
