Annual Concert Will Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters

Area artists and vendors are coming together to raise awareness and funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County, taking part in the 3rd annual Benefest concert.

The event will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Harvest Fields in Boalsburg.

An organization called ThirdPlace is helping organize the event. ThirdPlace is a group of graduate students and young professionals in their 20s and 30s who work to provide a forum through which the community can connect and build relationships.

Local band Pure Cane Sugar will be headlining the concert, said Katie Tenny concert coordinator and ThirdPlace member, with JB5-3, Riley Roth and Eric Farmer playing as well.

Several local vendors will also be at “Benefest, including Eden View Plow To Platter, El Gringo Taco Truck, Cottage Confectioner and Sun & Moon Creations.

According to ThirdPlace’s website, this event is alcohol-free, but patrons are permitted to pack a picnic and blankets.

This year, ThirdPlace chose to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County — putting an emphasis on children in the community, said Thirdplace member Kristin Meyerback.

“There are over 100 kids … waiting for a mentor,” Tenny said. “We want to eradicate the list and encourage people to consider becoming a mentor.”

Tenny said the concert is also for community members to “relax, have a fun time, hang out on the hill and listen to good music.”

This is the first time Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County has participated in Benefest, said Jodi Morelli, program coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County.

“They approached us earlier this year,” Morelli said. “(The concert) is a double blessing.”

Not only will Benefest help raise money, she said, but will also generate some awareness for the organization.

At Benefest, Morelli said there will be an information table with staff members available to answer any questions the public might have about Big Brothers Big Sisters. There will also be buckets passed around at the event, Meyerback said, for donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County.

Click HERE for more information about Benefest. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County or to become a mentor click HERE.

IF YOU GO

What: Benefest concert featuring Pure Cane Sugar, Eric Farmer, Riley Roth and others.

When: 1 to 7 p.m., Aug. 25

Where: Harvest Fields, Boalsburg

Cost: Free

More info: Donations benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County