October 22, 2024

Do Good Fest® Raises $65,000 for Texas Youth

Under a warm Texas sky, the Levitt Pavilion lawn was transformed into a place of hope, music, and purpose.

On Saturday, Oct. 12, under the warm Texas sky, the lawn of the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington transformed into atmosphere of hope, music and purpose for National Life Group’s Do Good Fest ®.

Volunteers arrived early to set the stage for an unforgettable day that went beyond a typical country festival. It was a celebration of Dallas youth and a powerful reminder of the critical importance of mental health.

The event kicked off with an inspiring performance by Beats for Good winner Mason Moore. As the young musician took the stage, he captivated the audience with a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” along with several other beloved songs.

However, it was his original piece, written especially for the occasion, that truly stole the show. This heartfelt tribute served as an ode to Do Good Fest and its mission, emphasizing mental health awareness and the significance of following one’s dreams.

Mason was introduced by Senior Relationships Manager Luciano Varela and Corporate Communications Manager Deb McDuffie. He was awarded a personal cash prize of $1,000, and his school, Arlington High School, will receive $5,000 for its music program.

Following Mason, September Moon took the stage, creatively blending Americana, country and rock, connecting with audiences of all ages. The talented Cattie Offerman then kept the energy high with her engaging performance.

Before the night continued, L. Hamilton Financial, led by Laura Hamilton, took the spotlight to announce the lucky winners of the night’s raffles.

Excitement filled the air as concertgoers celebrated winning one of six unique prizes, including signed memorabilia from Aaron Watson. All proceeds from the raffle benefited the Parkland Pediatric Behavioral Health Program, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives in the community.

Next up was Braedon Barnhill, a spirited singer-songwriter from Marble Falls, Texas, who instantly brought the crowd to life! With his infectious energy and relatable lyrics, he showcased exactly why Texas is a powerhouse of musical talent.

After his performance, Mehran stepped up to highlight National Life’s commitment to helping our community, especially during this critical time for youth mental health. He presented a donation of $65,000 to Dr. Michael Horne, President and CEO of the Parkland Health Foundation, and Dr. Fred Cerise, President and CEO of Parkland Health, for Parkland’s Pediatric Behavioral Health Program.

This donation not only advanced our mission to create a meaningful impact but also strengthened our connection with organizations like Parkland, which are committed to supporting young people. National Life is grateful for our relationship with Parkland, an organization that aligns with our vision, and we appreciate the important work they do to provide the resources youth need to thrive in today’s world.

Mental health was addressed from all angles at the festival. Staff from the Perot Museum were onsite to engage young minds with interactive science activities, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning. Meanwhile, Ozzy’s Truck, led by Jared Ashley and Richard Petty, encouraged concertgoers to reflect on the profound impact of veteran suicide and its connection to mental health.

As the night came to a close and the final notes of Aaron Watson’s performance faded into the evening, a profound sense of gratitude filled the atmosphere. Do Good Fest was more than a concert. It was a day when the community united to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Dallas youth while elevating the conversation around mental health.

We sincerely thank everyone who was able to attend, along with our dedicated volunteers and the teams from Corporate Communications and Community Relations, and Marketing and Brand, as well as Facilities. We would also like to express our gratitude to our many sponsors, including L. Hamilton Financial, Levitt Pavilion, WFAA, PFA Alliance, Alliance Group and 95.5 The Ranch.