The power of community: How a teen’s love for music raised thousands for a cause

By Quameiha Raymond-Ducheine, storytelling associate

In the summer of 2021, while waiting for a liver transplant amid a pandemic that left people around the world alone and isolated, 13-year-old Sydney Marie Moss found herself yearning for connection. “I just wanted to DO something,” Sydney admitted. “I thought, why not give back to the community? What can I do to help make a difference even if not for myself, but for others who will have to go through the same thing.”

What started as a simple idea soon blossomed into a movement that would inspire her community and beyond. Sydney’s first “Concert for a Cause” was a modest outdoor concert at the Dunwoody Nature Center, which brought together her guitar teacher, a few choir friends from church and some local musicians. That first night, more than 100 attendees gathered outdoors to enjoy the music and support a meaningful cause: funding research for pediatric liver disease, a condition Sydney herself had battled for years.

Sydney’s mother, Lindsay Moss, recalled the challenges her daughter faced before receiving a life-saving liver transplant. “She was really sick, and couldn’t do a lot,” Lindsay said. “But music always stayed with her. It became her outlet, her way to feel connected despite everything.”

With the help of her guitar teacher, and a small network of friends, Sydney’s first concert raised $12,000. That success ignited a spark. “I realized how much fun it was,” Sydney said. “Not just performing, but knowing we were making a difference. By the end of it, I thought, we can keep doing this. And I set a goal to raise $100,000 by the time I graduate high school.”

What started as an idea to try, quickly turned into the annual “Concert for a Cause,” expanding in scope and ambition each year. Sydney said, “One of my favorite parts is inviting new people to join, it’s nice to see how the concert grows with each new voice and talent.” Her parents, Lindsay and Stephen Moss, supported her vision while marveling at her determination. “We’d done some fundraising in the past, but putting on a concert was entirely her idea,” Stephen said. “She planned it all, from booking the venue to rehearsing with the performers. And every year, she’s raised the bar.”

Sydney’s success, however, is deeply rooted in the power of community. As her mother, Lindsay, noted, “Sydney’s concert is an example of what community can achieve when people come together. It’s not just about the music or the funds—it’s about how everyone shows up to be a part of something bigger.” Sydney echoed this sentiment. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of our community,” she said. “It’s the donations year after year, the people excited to contribute and the collective effort that makes this possible.”

The Mosses chose to put the donations into a donor-advised fund at the Foundation, because of the flexibility the fund allows. Stephen said, “The Foundation informed us that we could open the fund in Atlanta and support the research of Dr. Karpen at Virginia Commonwealth while also avoiding the $10,000 minimum that other foundations require you to maintain. The process of getting set up was convenient and we had everything up and running very quickly.”  

By 2025, Sydney helped raise $80,000. In the fall of 2024, she was awarded the Teen Volunteer Award at the 2024 National Philanthropy Day event. “I was never expecting to get an award for doing something I love doing,” Sydney said. “But it’s a community effort. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the people who came and supported the cause.” As Sydney enters her final year of high school, she remains focused on her goal. “We’re on track to hit $100,000 by the time I graduate,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going—knowing we’re making an impact. Even if it’s just one kid who gets help because of this, it’s all worth it.”

Sydney’s journey is a testament to the power of music, resilience and community. What began as a teenager’s way to pass time during a pandemic has transformed into a beacon of hope for families affected by pediatric liver disease. And for Sydney, it’s only the beginning. “Music gave me a voice when I didn’t always have one,” she said. “Now, it’s my way of giving back.”

Interested in attending the next Concert for a Cause? Visit or follow sydneymossmusic on Instagram for concert details. The next concert will be on March 14, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA.

To learn more about Donor Advised funds visit cfgreateratlanta.org.