WHAT IS MUSIC WITH A MISSION
We host benefit concerts to raise money for impactful charities
In 2023, we threw a concert in downtown NYC and called it Music for Mental Health. The idea was simple: raise money, bring people together, and see what might happen. What happened was better than we imagined - 125 guests, a packed room, live music and $18,000 raised for mental health. More than that, there was a feeling in the air - fun, open, full of purpose. People left buzzing and asking when the next one would be.
That night lit a spark. We realized we were onto something: events that don’t feel like fundraisers, but still make a real impact. So we kept going. We evolved, expanded our mission, and gave ourselves a new name - Music with a Mission. We’re here to turn up the volume on causes that matter, one unforgettable night at a time. Glad you found us.
WHAT WE DO
We produce unforgettable fundraising events where music meets purpose. Through partnerships with organizations and local communities, we channel the power of art to uplift and empower. Every detail, from the visuals to the vibe, is designed to make people feel connected, supported, and inspired.
LEADERSHIP BOARD
We are a dedicated group with unique specialties, united by a shared passion for using music and other passions to inspire connection, raise awareness, and support mental health. Together, we throw high-energy events that bring people together and make a real impact. Driven by creativity and a craving for community, our team is committed to turning the power of passion into meaningful change.
Co-Founder
Eric Topfer
Eric Topfer has been involved in philanthropy since he was five, beginning with volunteering at soup kitchens alongside his older siblings. In his teens, he joined the youth board of Kula for Karma, a mental-health nonprofit, and later founded Teens Connecting Communities to support under-resourced students through mentorship and school-supply drives. He’s passionate about creating social, engaging, and fun giving-back experiences—like Music with a Mission, which focuses on mental-health awareness. Today, Eric works as a healthcare management consultant and leads global philanthropic efforts for 5,000 young professionals at his firm. He’s always open to connecting—whether you’re interested in getting involved or just want to share your story!
Co-Founder
Alex Silverstein
Alex Silverstein is the Co-Founder of Music with a Mission and the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Too Lost, a leading independent music distribution company. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Music category, Alex has built a career at the intersection of creativity, technology, and impact. A lifelong guitarist with a deep passion for music and mental health advocacy, he has always believed in the power of music to heal, connect, and inspire. With Music with a Mission, Alex hopes to turn that passion into action — creating a platform that champions mental wellness through the arts. His goal is to make Music with a Mission a household name and a lasting force for good in both the music and mental health communities.
Director of Nonprofit Partnerships
Dylan Bitensky
Dylan Bitensky is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology
who has long aspired to become a neuropsychologist, driven by a commitment to advocate
for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders—especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who often lack access to adequate resources. A lifelong volunteer, Dylan has made it her mission to expand mental health care access to individuals and families who cannot afford it, always striving to offer personalized, compassionate care that honors each person’s unique story. She is also very passionate about music and how music can help us connect to each-other/inform us about how we feel. Together, music can be a useful tool in exploring mental health in youth.
Public Relations Director
Sydney Meister
As a writer, Sydney Meister is driven by one purpose: to help people feel understood and seen. That passion led her to study communications, media law, and gender studies at Indiana University, and it continues to fuel her work today. At PureWow, she explores relationship psychology through a cultural lens, translating complex emotional dynamics into stories that resonate. She regularly collaborates with psychologists and researchers to destigmatize mental health through accessible, data-informed storytelling. Music with a Mission is a natural extension of that work—rooted in community, compassion, and the belief that every young person deserves to feel supported.
Creative Director
Nila Nejad
Nila Nejad is a New York-based designer obsessed with turning everyday moments into immersive, joy-filled experiences. With a BFA in Communications Design from Syracuse University, she mixes creativity and strategy to bring stories to life in ways that stick with you long after. At the core of what she does is a simple goal: to connect people—whether that’s through a bold brand, a lively event, or the universal language of music. Nila believes music is a powerful way to build community, spark empathy, and inspire real change. She pours her passion for art and human connection into projects that uplift and bring people together, creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.