For Immediate Release
Nov. 14, 2006

HEALTH ALLIANCE FOR AUSTIN MUSICIANS
RAISES $50,000 ON HAAM BENEFIT DAY

With Matching Grants, Day’s Total at $100,000

AUSTIN, Texas — Health Alliance for Austin Musicians announced today that its first HAAM Benefit Day, held October 3, raised $50,000 thanks to 105 businesses across Austin that donated 5 percent or more of the day’s proceeds, including $14,133 from presenting sponsor Whole Foods Market.

Matching grants totaling $50,000 from both the Topfer Family Foundation and The Moody Foundation boosted the overall total to $100,000 raised for the ground-breaking organization that provides healthcare services for Austin’s low-income, uninsured working musicians. All HAAM Benefit Day proceeds will go to increase the program capacity and provide affordable healthcare to more musicians.

“Many of the participating businesses reported their sales up 10 to 15 percent for the day. We’re thrilled that HAAM Benefit Day was a win-win for the businesses and HAAM,” said Robin Shivers, chairman of the HAAM Board of Directors and president of RRS Management.

“Many businesses want to participate again next year,” Shivers said. “We thank them for coming together on HAAM Benefit Day to keep music in Austin alive and well. We encourage Austinites to support these businesses, not only on HAAM Benefit Day but throughout the year.” The complete list of contributing businesses is available at www.healthallianceforaustinmusicians.org and www.myspace.com/myhaam.

John T. Kunz, president of Waterloo Records & Video, said he is grateful to the musicians who volunteered their time to play in businesses and other venues across Austin on HAAM Benefit Day. “We love live music, and we know it brings in business,” he said. “It was a great day for the people of Austin to see firsthand who their donations are benefiting and for musicians to see how much the community appreciates them.”

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians directors have already chosen Tuesday, October 2, 2007, for the second HAAM Benefit Day.

More than 650 member-musicians have enrolled in HAAM since its inception in April 2005. They receive primary medical care through Seton Family of Hospitals, basic dental care through St. David’s Community Health Foundation and mental health services through the SIMS Foundation.

Contacts:
Jill McGuckin, McGuckin Entertainment PR, 512.217.9404; jill@mcguckinpr.com
Pam Crowther, Seton Family of Hospitals, 512.324.3170; pcrowther@seton.org
Carolyn Schwarz, director of services, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, 512.324.8976;
   cschwarz@healthallianceforaustinmusicians.org
Mo Stoycoff, director of development, the SIMS Foundation, 512.472.1008;
   mstoycoff@simsfoundation.org

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