If you were among the massive crowds that came out to the AthFest Music & Arts Festival back in June, you helped to raise money for music and arts education in local schools.
The annual three-day event is a fundraiser for AthFest Educates, and this year’s festival raised more than $65,000 for K-12 students in Athens-Clarke County.
Though general admission to AthFest is free, the event generated funds through ticket purchases for concerts at participating venues like The Georgia Theatre, the 40 Watt Club, Ciné, and several more. Organizers also raised funds with AthFest merchandise and drink sales, sponsorships, vendor and artist market fees, and individual donations.
AthFest performers had the option of participating in crowdfunding for AthFest Educates, and the top fundraising act would receive a guaranteed main stage slot for next year’s festival. The top fundraiser for 2025 was Tropical Breeze Steel Band, which raised a record $1,700 for the organization.
In a press release, AthFest Educates executive director Mary Joyce said that the organization “did not receive nearly $40,000 in expected grant funding due to executive orders and the changing priorities of the current federal administration” and credited community support for the festival’s success.
“Local support was even more vital this year,” said Joyce. “We are thrilled that Athens continues to value the arts and arts education in our community.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.onlineathens.com ’
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