The Art of Compassion (TAOC) is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of the recent Lauren Dai
gle benefit concert, which is raising over $100,000 for Hurricane Helene relief efforts across Western North Carolina.
Held at the Crawdads/LP Frans Stadium in Hickory on Oct. 26, the event brought together a sold-out crowd of 5,000 attendees, who braved stormy weather to show their unwavering support. Every dollar raised will be distributed through the Catawba County United Way to aid communities in the affected counties, underscoring TAOC’s mission of uniting hearts for compassion and service.
The event drew over 1,200 participants who committed to fulfill acts of kindness for many local non-profits. Over 3,000 people engaged with the kindness portion of TAOC’s website to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved.
With heartfelt music by the Johnnyswim duo and Ginny Owens, and a stellar performance by Lauren Daigle—who personally donated $50,000 for Helene relief—the night was filled with powerful moments of connection, prayers and giving.
"Despite the challenges and delays of rain and lightning as well as rescheduling the event in the aftermath of hurricane Helene, the Hickory community and our incredible partners showed up with resilience and compassion. This event was about more than just music; it was about helping our neighbors in need," TAOC team member Bob Lackey said. " Ms. Daigle’s amazing performance and her heartfelt generosity was truly a blessing to our community.”
Supported by over 50 local organizations and businesses, the event was a coordinated effort with the help of local sponsors, staff and community leaders, including help from the Crawdads stadium team. TAOC is particularly grateful for the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of its sponsors, whose contributions will have a lasting impact on hurricane relief.
“This gathering, while centered on incredible music and artists, was about so much more. Compassion, the power to help others and change lives, love for our friends and neighbors was palpable in the air,” Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner said. “Given what we have witnessed since Helene, we knew it would take more than rain to dampen the spirit of compassion, kindness and love. It was an evening of unity, and I’m honored to have been part. What the Art of Compassion showcased was the absolute best of humanity.”
“The event was truly exceptional when 5,000 people came together to connect through music and ultimately left with a sense of hope and inspiration to show compassion to others,” Executive Director for Arts Culture Catawba and co-emcee for the evening Ingrid Keller said.
The Art of Compassion is a community initiative spearheaded by Imagine One Hospitality in conjunction with Lenoir Rhyne University, Catawba County Community College, Arts Culture Catawba, Hickory City, Appalachian State University, and the Catawba County United Way, dedicated to fostering unity and compassion throughout the area.
Want to make a difference? Visit TAOC’s website at theartofcompassion.net, to learn more about how you can help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts and how to help serve the many local non-profits.
