MUSIC Matters was founded on the principle that music can connect people of all cultures, backgrounds, orientations, ethnicities, and nationalities. In 2011, ten University of Michigan students came together under this principle to address a lack of unity on their campus. Music became their vehicle to drive social change. MUSIC Matters is a student-run non-profit organization that uses the unifying power of music to create educational opportunities and celebrate the vibrant Michigan community. In order to do so, MUSIC Matters hosts a capstone event for the University of Michigan community, bringing people together to celebrate another successful year. This event begins with SpringFest, a SXSW-style gathering designed to promote innovation, creativity, and community and display the achievements of University students. The day’s festivities are capped off with a benefit concert, featuring a major headlining artist, with proceeds going to a unique philanthropic cause selected and designed by MUSIC Matters members. In year one, we brought Grammy-nominee J.Cole to Hill Auditorium and donated $10,000 to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. In year 2, we brought indie-rock legend Ben Folds and gave a $50,000 gift to endow the MUSIC Matters Big Thinkers Scholarship, one of the first of its kind.