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Mooneyhan Promotions works with nonprofits

 

Oscar Mooneyhan grew up in Sonoma, playing in rock bands and helping out the Valley's vast array of charities whenever he could. Now, with his wife, Kat, he is hoping to marry his two passions with their latest venture, Valley of the Mooneyhan Promotions.

Through the new business, the couple seeks to throw fundraising events for nonprofit organizations that may not have the staff, connections or resources to do it themselves.

"We're looking into how to become a nonprofit," Oscar Mooneyhan said, adding that they hope to become a nonprofit organization specifically designed to provide support for other nonprofits. It's a model similar to the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance, which has raised millions of dollars for various charities over the years through the Harvest Wine Auction.

The Mooneyhans are no strangers to event planning. Oscar Mooneyhan served as entertainment chair of Relay For Life, the annual fundraiser of the American Cancer Society, for five years, pulling together a packed line-up of activities for kids and adults alike each year. The couple also throws the annual Bell Bottom Bash, a '60s-themed dance party that has raised funds for Relay For Life and the Sonoma Community Center. The fifth annual Bell Bottom Bash takes place July 9 at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building and will benefit the Native Sons of the Golden West. 

"I just want to bring good shows and music to this town," Oscar Mooneyhan added.

Oscar Mooneyhan handles the event logistics while Kat Mooneyhan specializes in marketing and graphic design. Both perform in BackTrax rock band and as lifelong musicians, they have all the equipment needed to host concerts. The pair has developed relationships with vendors to get discounted prices on T-shirt, custom glassware and the like for promotional materials for events.

The couple already has plans to throw a fundraiser in June for Relay For Life at Little Switzerland. They are also working on an event for the Make A Wish Foundation that they have tentatively pegged for August.

In addition to the nonprofit events, Valley of the Mooneyhan Promotions has also been hosting the popular Food Truck Friday performances at Sebastiani Winery, where BackTrax performs and a variety of food trucks serve the hungry dancers, the most recent of which attracted more than 500 guests. The pair are also throwing a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute on Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. at Sebastiani Winery, with New Orleans style food and a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to John Fogerty's May 20 performance at Sonoma Jazz Plus. 

To learn more about Valley of the Mooneyhan Promotions, contact 938-7568 or vmoonmusic@aol.com.