PICKENS — The 18th annual Blue Ridge Fest held on May 8 raised a total of $185,000 to benefit local non-profit organizations in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.
Since the event’s inception, almost a decade ago, Blue Ridge Fest has donated more than $2 million to numerous agencies in the Upstate area that provide individuals with basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and health care. In addition, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative is celebrating their 75th anniversary in August.
The charities receiving funds from the event include Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Developmental Center for Exceptional Children, Dot’s Kitchen of Westminster, Fair Play Camp School, Hidden Treasure Christian School, North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Rosa Clark Medical Clinic, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, The Dream Center of Pickens County, The Parenting Place-Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County and United Christian Ministries.
Representatives from both Blue Ridge Security Solutions and Blue Ridge Electric present checks to each non-profit organization receiving funds.
The annual festival boasts the Upstate’s largest classic-car cruise-in, along with a beach night show and dance that features nationally known entertainers. The festival attracted more than 6,000 attendees and 450 classic cars.
Blue Ridge Fest is organized and executed by 250 Blue Ridge Electric and Blue Ridge Security employee volunteers, enabling the festival to maximize its proceeds to benefit local charities. The 2016 Blue Ridge Fest has been scheduled for May 6 at the cooperative’s headquarters in Pickens.