Mission & Vision
Stigma ends where stories begin.
A ripple effect of hope, reaching every generation.
Our Mission
Music heals. We've lived it.
For so many of us, music was the thing that carried us through — the song that said what we couldn't, the melody that made the worst day survivable. The Tellmystory Challenge Foundation exists because we believe healing through music shouldn't be luck. It should be taught, recorded, and passed on.
What we're doing right now
Our mobile music studio brings the healing power of music directly to young people across southern Utah — lessons in country, island reggae, and more, taught by working artists. Our young artists don't stop at lessons: they write, record, and release their own EPs, telling their stories through music.
Under music department head Sam Lutui — with curriculum and music-therapy programming in hand — and a rotating roster of industry professionals leading workshops, these young artists learn to heal, and to help others heal by sharing their story.
What we're building
A permanent home in the heart of St. George.
We have found the place: 747 E. St. George Blvd — a space with a beautiful working theater and room for music, performance, and athletics side by side. This is where the USA Institute of Sports and the McCann Josiah Stacy Healing Music & Arts Institute belong, and we are working every day to make it ours. Securing this home won't happen without the community standing behind it — your support, your voice, and your belief in what this space can be are what will open these doors. A place where a kid can walk in carrying something heavy and walk out carrying a song. Help us bring it home.
Where your money goes
The Mobile Music Studio
Bringing lessons and recording to young artists across southern Utah
EP production
Every young artist records and releases their story
Workshops & mentorship
Professionals in country, island reggae, and music therapy, led by Sam Lutui
The Institute
Helping secure 747 E. St. George Blvd as a permanent home for healing music, arts, and sport
Our Vision
A ripple effect of hope, reaching every generation.
To create a global movement where every person understands that their story matters, their life has value, and their voice can help someone else survive.
We envision a future where millions of people openly share their stories of overcoming adversity, creating a ripple effect of hope that reaches every community, every culture, and every generation.
Our Core Pillars
Five pillars. One movement.
Storytelling
Providing platforms for people to share their personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs.
Mental Health Awareness
Promoting education, understanding, and open dialogue around mental health challenges.
Hope & Healing
Connecting individuals with resources, communities, and practical coping strategies.
Advocacy
Advocating for greater awareness, transparency, education, and policies that prioritize the well-being of youth, young adults, and families affected by mental health challenges.
Legacy
Honoring the lives of McCann Jr., Josiah, and Stacy by helping others find purpose through their pain.
Our Promise
We believe every person has a story.
We believe every story has value.
We believe that when one person shares their truth, another person finds the courage to keep going.
Tellmystory Challenge Foundation exists so that pain can become purpose, grief can become service, and stories can become a pathway to healing.
The lives of McCann L. Utu Jr., Josiah Utu, and Stacy Renee Fawcett continue to impact the world through every life touched by this mission.
This is more than a foundation.
This is a movement.
This is a challenge.
This is a legacy.
This is Tellmystory.