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Carson Tahoe HealthVehicle dedication celebrates Mason as Carson Tahoe Health’s Champion of Creativity; benefit concert and legacy fund raises more than $26,000 for youth mental health
CARSON CITY, Nev. — July 13, 2026 — Carson Tahoe Health honored legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician and longtime Northern Nevada resident Dave Mason on July 12 with the public dedication of SOUND IDEAS, a mobile music and podcast studio that is part of the health system’s innovative Vehicles of Change. The celebration concluded with a sold-out benefit concert that has raised more than $26,000 to date for youth mental health programming through the Dave Mason Legacy Fund.
For more than six decades, Dave Mason inspired audiences through music, creativity, and authenticity. As a founding member of Traffic and collaborator with some of rock’s most influential artists, Mason believed creative expression could transform lives, a philosophy that now lives on through SOUND IDEAS.
“Dave approached health holistically and believed this pioneering program would empower kids with what they need to thrive, regardless of what life throws their way,” said Winifred Wilson, Mason’s wife.
During the dedication, Carson Tahoe Health recognized Mason as its Champion of Creativity, honoring his enduring commitment to inspiring others through music and supporting the emotional well-being of young people.
A highlight of the ceremony was long-time friends Pat Simmons and Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers, who shared heartfelt reflections on the importance of creativity and encouraged young people to embrace their unique talents.
“This generation is facing a vast landscape of unresolved issues, with the advent of AI and social media, telephones, it’s presented a problem that seems seemingly is too big to solve. To know there are people willing to help them discover who they are and recognize their own talents that can change a life,” said Michael McDonald. “The arts give kids a way to express themselves and share their ideas with the world.”
“That’s why Dave loved music so much. It became an extension of who he was, and we’re proud to help continue that legacy today,” said Pat Simmons.
Vehicles of Change
Developed as part of Carson Tahoe Health’s Healing Our Kids & Community initiative, Vehicles of Change is a fleet of four mobile outreach vehicles that bring evidence-based youth wellness programming directly into schools and communities across Northern Nevada. Each vehicle provides a unique pathway to building confidence and healthy coping skills:
- EAT teaches nutrition, cooking and healthy lifestyle habits.
- PLAY promotes movement, teamwork and social-emotional learning through recreation.
- ART encourages creativity, mindfulness and emotional expression.
- SOUND IDEAS, dedicated to Dave Mason, uses music, storytelling and podcasting to help young people discover their voice and build confidence.
Together, the vehicles deliver prevention-focused programming that helps children develop resilience before they reach a crisis. Since launching, the initiative has served hundreds of young people through interactive, research-informed experiences designed to strengthen communication, emotional regulation, empathy, and connection.
Special recognition on behalf of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo recognized Dave Mason’s extraordinary musical career and his commitment to improving the lives of local youth through the Dave Mason Legacy Fund. The ceremony also included Carson Tahoe Health’s Grateful Heart Award, presented by Winifred Wilson, wife of Dave Mason and CEO of Dave Mason Music, to Dr. John Rau, Dr. Cathy Petti, and Dr. Muhammad Siddiqui. The award recognized the exceptional compassion and clinical care they provided during Mason’s treatment at Carson Tahoe Hospital. As a grateful patient, Mason and his family were deeply moved by the care he received, inspiring the creation of the Dave Mason Legacy Fund to help other families experience the same spirit of healing, compassion, and hope while supporting youth mental health initiatives throughout the community.
One of the afternoon’s most moving moments came when bestselling rock memoirist and Mason’s co-author, Chris Epting, reflected on his friend’s legacy: “Dave didn’t get a chance to see this vehicle finished, but I can tell you without any doubt, this is exactly the kind of project he’d have wanted his name on. Not a statue, not a plaque on a wall somewhere. Something moving, something out in the world, actually doing the work, actually teaching kids. Today we dedicate this vehicle in Dave Mason’s honor, a true Champion of Creativity.”
Attendees from all over the world and locals alike attended the dedication before gathering for a sold-out tribute concert at Nashville Social Club featuring members of Dave Mason’s touring band and special guests celebrating his extraordinary musical legacy.
“Dave understood that music and creativity could heal, connect and inspire,” said Kitty McKay, Vice President of Community and Patient Experience at Carson Tahoe Health. “Through SOUND IDEAS and the Dave Mason Legacy Fund, his legacy will help thousands of young people find their voice and know they are not alone. If Dave spent a lifetime helping audiences ‘feel alright’ through his music, we’re honored to carry that legacy forward by helping kids start Feelin’ Alright through innovative youth mental health programming. It’s a model that is transforming lives here in Nevada and creating a blueprint for the nation.”
The evening culminated in a memorable tribute as Dave Mason’s longtime band took the stage. During the finale, the audience rose to its feet as the band performed Mason’s iconic hit, “Feelin’ Alright,” joined by special guests Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, John Cowan, Suzanne Paris, and Richard Campbell. The all-star performance served as a powerful celebration of Mason’s enduring influence and a fitting close to an evening dedicated to ensuring future generations of young people have the support to start Feelin’ Alright themselves.
All proceeds from the Dave Mason Legacy Fund directly support Carson Tahoe Health’s Vehicles of Change and youth mental health outreach programs throughout Northern Nevada.
To support the Dave Mason Legacy Fund: Donate here
For more information on Healing Our Kids & Community: Visit the Healing Our Kids & Community website
