Area 36 Fundraiser For Shriners Kids Gears Up

by Liv Stecker

For the 4th year in a row, the Area 36 Blues & Music Festival is gearing up for the annual event to support the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane. This free-admission music festival is seeking donors and sponsors for the event on July 14-16th, 2016. Donations cover the cost of performing bands and operating expenses so that the weekend can remain admission free and more of the proceeds from the weekend can go directly to the Shriners Hospital. Area 36 is a non-profit fundraiser and every donation is a tax write-off. Last year in addition to the money raised at the event, several local businesses contributed to the Shriners mission as awareness in the community grew. The Shriners Hospital stands out among other charitable organizations as more than 90% of every dollar donated goes directly to the care of children with serious medical needs. In contrast, many non profits consume a vast percentage of donations in overhead operating costs. 

Area 36 organizers are looking for donors who are interested in sponsoring bands who will perform during the weekend, among other contributions. Sponsors who donate between $500-$5000 will be be featured during band performances, on event posters, radio and newspaper advertisements. Local television and radio stations will be on site this year to promote the event. The Area 36 Benefit has also set up a GoFundMe page for donations at: https://www.gofundme.com/3un5pgra . Businesses and individuals interested in donating or sponsoring a band can contact Kim or Jerry at 509.684.4444 or 509.675.1674.

The Area 36 Blues and Music Festival is also looking for food and craft vendors to join the fun in July. In it’s fourth year, the festival is looking forward to more music, food and fun, as well as larger contributions to the good work of the Shriners Hospital. Every year, through word of mouth, the party grows to include participants from all over the northwest and beyond. The three day event features local Northwest bands, artisans, food and beer in a relaxed outdoor setting 12 miles outside of Colville. Camping for trailers, RVs, tents and motorhomes is available on site and a car and motorcycle poker run on Saturday is also part of the weekend event. Volunteers are always welcome to help coordinate activities. More information about the event is available at the numbers listed above or on the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/area36bluesandmusic/