Mt. Joy Raise or Donate Nearly $500,000 for Charity, One Step at a Time

Mt. Joy, the Los Angeles-based five-piece band originally from Philadelphia, has established a distinctive identity by transforming its status as a modern rock success story into a powerful engine for philanthropy. Diverging from conventional rock star excess, the group directed nearly $500,000 from their recent "Hope We Have Fun" tour to a variety of charitable causes. A standout initiative was a Boston performance last month that generated close to $400,000 for Family Reach, a national organization focused on alleviating the crushing financial strain on families confronting a cancer diagnosis.

The band’s commitment to giving is a core component of their touring strategy, manifesting in numerous hands-on ways. Following a July appearance at the historic Newport Folk Festival—a legendary event known for its role in the 1960s folk revival—the musicians headed to Boston to deliver a special acoustic performance for young patients at Mass General Brigham Hospital. This echoed a similar visit they made in May to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in North Carolina. Furthermore, during a two-night hometown stand in Philadelphia, they organized their second non-perishable food drive to support local communities.

Their charitable portfolio is both diverse and substantial. It includes a $40,000 contribution for hurricane relief efforts in Asheville, North Carolina, and a $35,000 donation to the Tennessee ACLU after severe weather led to the cancellation of their Bonnaroo set. The band has also given nearly $23,500 to the American Brain Tumor Association, inspired by their song "Lucy," and assisted in providing 100,000 meals via the nonprofit Sharing Excess. Lead vocalist Matt Quinn underscores their community-focused ethos, explaining, "We've found that the most impactful assistance comes from building real relationships on the ground in the places we play."

Quinn provided specific examples of this localized method. In post-hurricane Asheville, they depended on grassroots contacts to identify the most pressing recovery needs. He also detailed their collaboration in Boston with Family Reach's CEO, Carla Tardif. "Partnering with Carla and her team, who work directly with Massachusetts General Hospital, allows us to help families survive the financial toxicity that often accompanies a cancer fight," Quinn remarked. This dedication to local partnership was also evident last November when the band teamed up with Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce—the renowned older brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce—to create a promotional video and perform pre-game, raising significant funds for charities based in their original hometown.

Parallel to their philanthropic work, Mt. Joy has celebrated significant professional achievements, such as a debut at Nashville's hallowed Grand Ole Opry and sold-out shows at legendary venues including Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre, New York's Forest Hills Stadium, and Boston's TD Garden. The iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural geological marvel located just outside Denver, is revered by artists and fans alike for its perfect acoustics and stunning vistas. Despite these career landmarks, Quinn maintains that the band’s charitable efforts provide a deeper sense of fulfillment. "Our fundamental aim is to create a positive impact," he stated. "The platform music has given us is a gift, and learning that we've tangibly improved someone's life represents a form of success that truly transcends chart positions or sold-out venues."