Charlie Patten was a force—brilliant, creative, and endlessly curious. He built his own path as an educator, marketer, audio engineer, and counselor, always leading with empathy and care. Music was his heartbeat. He played bass, produced, DJ’d, and lived for discovering new sounds.
After losing Charlie in October 2020, his family and friends created The Bustamonte Fund, (named after Charlie’s band), to carry his legacy forward—supporting Backline, the nonprofit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.
Since 2021, The Bustamonte Fund has helped Backline expand its Case Management Program, providing one-on-one support for thousands of music professionals and their families. Together, this community has made an extraordinary impact:
- Facilitated 2,400+ Custom Care Plans facilitated for music industry professionals and their families.
- Expanded their nationwide clinic to 1,500+ vetted mental health providers across all 50 states, ensuring access to culturally competent, industry-informed care.
- Trained 76 mental health providers at their 3rd Annual Harmony in Practice clinical workshop, offering continuing education credits and deepening understanding of the music industry’s unique challenges.
- Provided over $300,000+ in therapy grants distributed since 2022 through the Music’s Mental Health Fund.
- Expanded on-tour wellness programs supporting artists and crews on major tours, including Noah Kahan’s.
This progress is only possible because of the generosity and spirit of Charlie’s community—his family, friends, and all who have been moved by his life and passion. We invite you to continue to support Charlie Patten’s legacy through your donations to The Bustamonte Fund, supporting Backline’s critical Case Management Program. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to providing the critical resources and care to everyone who needs it in our music community.
To remember Charlie and support the music industry’s mental health and wellness, you can make a donation online through the button below. If you prefer to donate non-cash assets, including stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, or donations from existing charitable or donor advised funds, please reach out to us at hello@backline.care. To donate via check, please make it out to Backline Care Inc, referencing The Bustamonte Fund and mailed to PO Box 6002, Denver, CO 80206
Together, we can continue to make a significant difference.
