Food Crisis Ministry receives $13K from Blue Ridge Fest proceeds

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions have announced that the 17th annual Blue Ridge Fest raised a total of $172,000 to benefit nonprofits in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.

The festival, which was held in May, attracted more than 6,000 attendees and 450 classic cars, according to organizers.

Benefiting charities include North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry, Safe Harbor, Developmental Center for Exceptional Children, Dot’s Kitchen, Helping Hands of Clemson, Meals on Wheels of Anderson, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, Ripple of One, Rosa Clark Medical Clinic, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County and United Christian Ministries.

Representatives from both Blue Ridge Security Solutions and Blue Ridge Electric recently hosted check presentations for each non-profit organization receiving funds.

“The momentum behind this year’s Blue Ridge Fest enabled us to support our community at a very high level,” said Charles Dalton, president and CEO. “We’re pleased to continually assist a number of charitable organizations that serve individuals within our four-county region.”

Since 1998, Blue Ridge Fest has donated nearly $1.8 million to nonprofits in the Upstate area that provide individuals with basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and health care.

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. 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 2015 Blue Ridge Fest has been scheduled for Friday, May 8 at the cooperative’s headquarters in Pickens. For more information about Blue Ridge Fest, visit www.blueridge.coop/blueridgefest.