It all kicked off with a simple Facebook poll asking everyone to share their favorite Kiss songs. Little did I know, that innocent question would snowball into something epic! Before I knew it, fellow musicians were like, “We’ve got to turn this into a jam night!” How could I resist? But then I thought, why not make it even bigger and better by turning it into a charity event?

And so, in 2017, we launched our first-ever “You Wanted the Best” night. It was such a hit that we've kept the tradition alive every year since! What started as a jam night has now evolved into a fantastic all-day extravaganza with three stages of entertainment and fun for the whole family!

Fast forward to our eighth year, and the Cleveland Musicians Fundraiser has proudly raised over $150,000 for incredible causes like Autism Speaks, The American Cancer Society, Lifebanc, NAMI-Lake County, PAWS, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Sub-Zero Mission., and The Alzheimer's Association.

We’re thrilled to share that our “You Wanted the Best” Kiss Tribute Benefit has been nominated for Cleveland Magazine’s Best Charitable Event (Best of the East) in their 2023 & 2024 Best of Cleveland awards.

And here's the cherry on top: as of 2024, we are officially recognized as a 501-(C)(3) Charitable Organization!

Can’t wait to see you next July for another unforgettable event!

• R. Scott Vaughn

  Chairman, Cleveland Musicians’ Fundraiser

the committtee

Left to Right)

Fred Hahn: Technical Manager | Brandon Fiorello: Operations Manager  | Tia Jarvis: Volunteer Organizer 

Kathleen Vaughn: Procurement Coordinator | R. Scott Vaughn: Chairman  

Denise Bordelon: Donations Director  | Victor Bordelon: Utilities Manager

Keith Martin: Stage Manager  | Tracy Martin: Executive Director

r. scott vaughn/ chairman

As Chairman of the Cleveland Musicians Fundraiser, I’ve poured my heart into building something that brings people together for a good cause. Our annual KISS tribute show has grown into a community favorite, and I’m proud to say we’ve raised over $150,000 for charities like Autism Speaks and St. Jude. Music has always meant the world to me, and being able to use it to give back is one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

Our team

Cleveland Musicians

Fundraiser is held at:

Cleveland

Musicians

Fundraiser

Cleveland, Ohio, A non-profit organization