Tonight, in a wonderful gesture of support for our lifesaving work, some of America’s most talented songwriters—Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry and Jason Mraz—will join forces for a one-of-a-kind benefit concert, Rock the House for Animals.
The concert, which will livestream on HumaneSociety.org, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch beginning 8 p.m. eastern time (with a preshow at 7 p.m.) is a benefit for the Humane Society of the United States, in partnership with Sidewalk Angels Foundation, founded by Marisol and Rob Thomas, to support critical work for all animals, including help for pets and people affected by the pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis for the companion animals who share our hearts and homes. With so many Americans facing the risks of illness and unemployment, many pet parents are concerned about being able to afford basic care for their beloved animals. We are working harder than ever to make sure that these animals stay in loving homes and out of shelters (which have their own challenges at this time).
The artists will each perform from their homes, and the event will feature interviews, a Q and A with fan questions and appearances by special friends of Rob and Marisol Thomas. HSUS board member Georgina Bloomberg will interview Marisol about her work for animals. You will also see Laura Brown, editor-in-chief of InStyle magazine, and me discussing the effects of the coronavirus crisis on animals and people who care about them.
All of us here at the HSUS are tremendously excited about the concert, which our incredible Special Events team and our partners have planned and finalized in a dizzyingly short amount of time. The animals are in need right now, and there’s no time to waste.
We are also truly moved by the love these performers have for animals and their commitment to our cause. As Rob, a longtime friend of the HSUS, says, “animals are everything to our family.” He and Marisol have two rescue dogs whom he describes as “our life.” Their charity Sidewalk Angels Foundation, provides support to more than 20 animal shelters and rescues across the United States.
“It is deeply important for us to do what we can during this critical time and help support keeping animals with their families,” Chris says.
I am looking forward to your participation and support at the concert tonight. Mars Petcare, the world’s leading pet nutrition and health care business, has generously pledged to match the first $100,000 in funds raised during the concert. The grant funds, provided through Mars’ BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, will be administered by the HSUS to help eliminate pet homelessness.
I, for one, can’t wait to Rock the House for animals. In the face of so much bad news in the world, music and animals have the power to bring us all together, lift our spirits, renew our resolve and make us smile. I hope I will see you there.
