What is Beat the Funk?
Beating the Odds. Defying Limits.
Who is Beat the Funk
Beat the Funk is a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit movement based in Central Illinois that uses music, movement, community, and pure funky energy to support people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. What began as a fundraiser connected to the National MS Society has evolved into a locally focused mission where 100% of proceeds stay in Central Illinois to create direct community impact.
At its core, Beat the Funk believes that movement is medicine, community matters, and fundraising should feel inspiring—not transactional. The organization blends live entertainment, wellness, advocacy, and unforgettable experiences to raise awareness and support for programs that improve quality of life.
As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we ensure that 100% of the proceeds stay right here in our community. That’s why we’ve focused our efforts on partnerships like the pro bono clinic within the Department of Physical Therapy at Bradley University. This clinic provides hands-on care to individuals living with neurological conditions, allowing us to show our supporters exactly how their contributions are directly improving lives. Our vision is to continue strengthening this local impact—where every dollar raised fuels meaningful, measurable care for those who need it most.”Brian M. GorsichFounder
What is Beat the Funk?
Beat the Funk is an event series designed to help people break out of routine, stress, and creative or emotional ruts through music, movement, and shared energy. It’s about creating a space where people can reset, reconnect, and leave feeling lighter, more inspired, and more alive than when they arrived.
Whether the “funk” is mental, emotional, or physical, the event focuses on release, expression, and momentum—using rhythm, atmosphere, and community to spark a shift.
Why we Chose the Name Beat the Funk
The name Beat the Funk has a double meaning:
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“Beat” represents rhythm, music, and pulse—the driving force that moves people forward.
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“Funk” represents those stuck moments we all experience: burnout, stress, low energy, or creative blocks.
Together, Beat the Funk is both a call to action and a promise:
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A call to actively push past what’s holding you back
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A promise that through sound, movement, and connection, you can break free from that stuck feeling
The name is simple, memorable, and honest—it acknowledges that life gets heavy sometimes, and it offers a powerful, collective way to shake that off.
The Message Behind the Name
At its core, Beat the Funk is about:
Turning low energy into momentum | Turning isolation into connection | Turning routine into experience
It’s not about being perfect or having it all together—it’s about showing up and letting the rhythm do the rest.
Beat the Funk Fundraising Event Series
Beat the Funk is a fundraising event series designed to
re-energize communities while generating financial support for aligned causes. Through music-driven experiences, movement, and curated social engagement, the series creates immersive environments that encourage participation, connection, and giving.
By combining entertainment, wellness, and community impact, Beat the Funk positions fundraising as an engaging, emotionally resonant experience rather than a transactional ask—driving both attendance and donor enthusiasm.
Donate
Your donation to Beat the Funk helps support individuals with physical challenges by providing access to fitness, rehabilitation, and life-changing opportunities through the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function.