Since Erin Hannigan and Tessa Berg started Concert for Kindness nearly a decade ago, the event has grown into a unique fundraising force for animal lovers in Dallas. The charity concert and art show returns to Moody Performance Hall on Sunday, and the co-founders hope they can outdo last year’s successful event, which raised $60,000.
“We are working hard to make the biggest impact possible in awareness for rescue animals and also the power of the arts as a catalyst for change,” says Hannigan.
Over its history, the concert has raised more than $300,000 to help the homeless pets of Dallas through local animal charities. The 2020 beneficiaries are Dallas Cat Lady, Paws in the City, and The Love Pit Rescue, organizations that help both dogs and cats.
Hannigan and Berg refer to the event as “a celebration of animals and the incredible bond people share with them, as expressed through various art forms.” The Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s continued support is what makes their project possible, and they couldn’t be more grateful: “The grant for Principle Musicians that [we] receive makes it possible for us to donate all net proceeds from this event to animals in need in our community!”
Over the years, the concert has outgrown its original stage and now takes place in Moody Performance Hall. As the biggest annual event of Artists for Animals, it’s also expanded to include different art forms.
Berg, a renowned photographer in the DFW area, shot two stories for the event. The first animal in her feature is a three-legged cat which was rescued by Dallas Cat Lady. Found with an incredibly painful injured leg, the feline underwent amputation surgery. Now, her owners affectionately call her a “tripod.” She lives a happy and healthy life alongside her new housemate and canine companion. The second photo story follows Paisley the pit bull, a pup rescued by The Love Pit. Initially found malnourished with scabs, she is now living a full life with her new adopted family.
The annual concert is on March 8 at Moody Performance Hall in the Dallas Arts District. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds go to the beneficiaries.
