Together25: Open Minds Through Music, One Gift at a Time

Livestream Fundraiser · The World Music Foundation

Join our 25-hour global livestream fundraiser as artists and storytellers from around the world come together to fight racism and build cross-cultural respect through music.

When: 8:00 a.m. CT on December 20 to 9:00 a.m. CT on December 21, 2025 (25-hour livestream)

Where: Streaming live online — free to watch

Why: To fund programs that “open minds through music” in Chicago and beyond

No minimum donation. Every dollar helps us bring more free, cross-cultural music programs to kids, families, and communities.

Your Gift Powers Real Change
30+ countries

Represented in our podcast, concerts, and classes.

100% free

School programs for under-resourced communities.

Since 2012

The World Music Foundation has been fighting racism through music.

1,500+

Students reached through live, cross-cultural music programs.

What is Together 25?

A 25 hour live stream cross multiple platforms hosted by WMF founder and Executive Director John Gardner!
◦ Make donations

◦ Enter raffles

◦ Bid in Auctions for awesome prizes

◦ Interact with John (ie, ask him any questions, request songs or activities, dare him to do stuff)

◦ Participate in virtual activities

Help support the WMF raise funds and to hang out with John!

Together25 is The World Music Foundation’s 25-hour livestream fundraiser bringing together musicians, storytellers, and neighbors across cultures to stand up to racism and division.

During the livestream, you’ll hear music and stories from around the world, learn the histories behind the sounds, and see how music can open minds, soften hearts, and build respect across cultures.

Every dollar raised during Together25 goes directly to The World Music Foundation’s programs — from free school assemblies and community concerts to hands-on workshops in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood and beyond.

How To Be Part of Together25

1. Sign Up & Give

Use the Givebutter form on this page to register for the livestream — and, if you’re able, add a donation of any size.

2. Tune In & Share

Join the livestream, listen, learn, and share the event link with friends and family. The more people watching, the more impact we can make together.

3. See Your Impact

We’ll share real-time progress, stories from our programs, and specific ways your support is opening minds through music.

Where Your Gift Goes

Your donation doesn’t disappear into a vague “general fund.” It turns into specific, cross-cultural experiences that fight racism and build understanding.

Opening Minds in Classrooms

Bring live, cross-cultural music assemblies to schools that otherwise couldn’t afford them.

Community Listening Room Events

Support intimate concerts, workshops, and lectures at our Listening Room in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood.

Artist Partnerships Across Cultures

Help us fairly pay culture-bearing artists who share their traditions, stories, and histories with our audiences.

Free Resources & Podcast Episodes

Fund the production of educational content that can reach learners anywhere in the world.

What You’ll Experience at Together25

  • Live performances from artists representing cultures across the globe.

  • Stories of how music has been used to resist racism and build solidarity.

  • Short “culture spotlight” segments that unpack the history behind instruments and songs.

  • Real-time fundraising milestones and shout-outs to donors.

  • A closing moment of shared music to remind us that we’re all in this together.

Why This Work Matters

“Our students had never seen instruments like this in person before. The World Music Foundation didn’t just play music; they helped our kids see their neighbors’ cultures with new respect.”
— 7th Grade Teacher, Chicago Public Schools


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Together25 is free to watch. We invite and encourage donations during the event, but they’re not required.

We recommend it so we can send you the link, reminders, and real-time updates. You can also watch on our chosen platforms without registering, but you may miss those updates.

Register through Givebutter anyway, and we’ll send you highlights and replay information after the event.

Yes. The World Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. You’ll receive a receipt by email.

Absolutely. There’s a place on the Givebutter form to dedicate your gift.

Give Change to Make Change

You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact. When many people share a little, big change becomes possible.

  • $5–$10 helps us keep the livestream free for everyone.

  • $25 helps bring a cross-cultural music program to a local student.

  • $100+ helps underwrite a full event in our Listening Room or a school.

“Share change to create change.”

Share This Event, Choose Your Platform!


Register Now for Together25

More Events Below

Music Can’t Fix Everything, But It Can Change How We See Each Other.

When we hear each other’s songs, we start to hear each other’s stories. And when we hear each other’s stories, it becomes harder to hate and easier to stand together.

Join us for Together25 and help us open minds through music.