When a celebrity-backed fundraiser clears six figures on its first outing, it signals more than a successful night of entertainment — it points to a growing willingness to treat mental health access as a cause worth rallying around. That’s exactly what happened when Nerd HQ, the nonprofit founded by actor Zachary Levi, staged its debut “Music Is Medicine” benefit concert in Salt Lake City.
Zachary Levi and Rumer Willis perform a duet during the "Music is Medicine" concert
Zachary Levi performs during the "Music is Medicine" concert at the Capitol Theatre in SLC
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Zachary Levi and special guest Rumer Willis headline a packed night at SLC’s historic Capitol Theatre, raising enough to fund more than 500 therapy sessions
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The September 23 event at the Capitol Theatre delivered an evening that mixed show tunes, comedy and philanthropy, ultimately pulling in more than $100,000 for mental health services and therapy for those who cannot afford them. Organizers say those funds translate to more than 500 therapy sessions for individuals across the country.
Levi, who founded Nerd HQ, anchored the one-night-only show with a set of classics and show tunes backed by a 17-piece band and orchestra under the direction of Shaun Barrowes. Between songs, he wove in personal anecdotes, jokes and conversation. Rumer Willis joined him for several numbers, including a duet of “I See the Light” from Tangled — a nod to Levi’s Disney days — and a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors.
“I love music. I love comedy. I love people. And I love being able to use music and comedy to help people. That's what Music is Medicine was all about. I was so grateful for the opportunity to entertain people while raising money to help people heal.” — Zachary Levi, Founder, Nerd HQ
The audience filled the orchestra level and spilled into the mezzanine, making the night feel less like a typical concert and more like a communal effort. Nerd HQ Executive Director Eric Artell joined Levi on stage to rally supporters, asking them to publicly pledge contributions and showing how much impact a single room of people could generate together.
Music With a Mission
The concert’s core purpose was straightforward: tackle the cost barrier that keeps too many people from seeking mental health care.
According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 42% of adults who said they needed mental health services but didn’t get them blamed cost or lack of insurance as the main obstacle. In other words, the desire for help is often there — the financial means are not.
Nerd HQ has been chipping away at that problem through fundraising and a partnership with TimelyCare, having already funded more than 2,500 therapy sessions for over 1,000 individuals nationwide. This concert adds hundreds more sessions to that tally, turning an evening of entertainment into measurable access to care.
Though the show is over, the push for donations continues. Anyone moved by the event or the cause can contribute directly at https://nerdhq.org/donateconcert. Every gift helps Nerd HQ bring therapy within reach for more people.
Community Partners Making a Difference
Presenting sponsor Balance of Nature played a major role in making the night happen. Katrine Howard spoke from the stage about the shared mission of Balance of Nature and Nerd HQ to support healthier, fuller lives.
"Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, and sometimes the right connection at the right moment can make all the difference. We are grateful to support Nerd HQ as they create more opportunities for people to find meaningful care, connection, and hope when they need it most." – Katrine Howard, President of the Office of the Founder, Balance of Nature
Lex Howard, President and CEO of Balance of Nature, echoed that sentiment:
“Balance of Nature was proud to support Nerd HQ’s 'Music is Medicine' event and the important work they are doing to make a positive difference in mental health. At Balance of Nature, we believe that true health is about more than just the physical; it includes the chemical and spiritual aspects of our lives as well. Supporting an event that brings people together through music, connection, and a shared desire to help others aligns closely with our values. We were grateful to be part of such a meaningful evening and to support Nerd HQ in the impact they are making in the lives of others”.
Additional support came from The Recipe Critic, Goldbacks and The XRoom, all of whom helped make the inaugural event possible. A silent auction featuring memorabilia, exclusive experiences and special packages also boosted the evening’s fundraising totals.
For those who held Platinum tickets, the night ended with an intimate Q&A session with Levi, followed by a reception and photo opportunity — a personal finish to an already memorable evening.
The success of the first “Music Is Medicine” concert showed what can happen when entertainment, community and generosity converge around a single cause. With more than $100,000 raised and hundreds of additional therapy sessions now possible, the event underscored a simple but powerful idea: music can do more than entertain — it can help change lives.
About Nerd HQ
Nerd HQ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by actor Zachary Levi and dedicated to making mental health care accessible to individuals who otherwise could not afford it. Through fundraising, community events and partnerships, Nerd HQ works to remove financial barriers to therapy while promoting mental health awareness, education and open conversations about emotional well-being. To date, Nerd HQ has funded more than 2,500 therapy sessions, helping over 1,000 people nationwide.
To learn more or support the mission, visit https://nerdhq.org.
Eric Artell, Executive Director
Nerd HQ
eric@nerdhq.org
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Why it matters: This concert wasn’t just a feel-good celebrity event — it directly funded hundreds of therapy sessions for people who otherwise couldn’t afford care. With cost cited as a primary barrier for millions of Americans, Nerd HQ’s model of pairing entertainment with fundraising offers a replicable template for closing the mental health access gap.
