As Indy Concerts for a Cause wraps up its second season on October 20, Indy’s Child spoke with Jillian Ashton, board member for the not-for-profit organization that helps Hoosier charities through music and donations. Ashton explains how the organization continues to grow and provide funds for small not-for-profits.
What is Indy Concerts for a Cause?
It is a unique way to directly impact an organization with a concert. Often, when donating or attending a fundraiser, you don’t see results immediately. In this situation, we present a check to the charity that night. We have been able to present between $15,000 and $17,000.
How did ICFAC begin?
It started a little over two years ago by Bruce Kidd and his friend, Steve Neely. They have a love for music that tells a heartfelt story. They wanted to turn their passion into something positive for the community. The first year, we held four concerts at the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple, and raised $7,000 to $10,000 for each charity.
Which Indianapolis organization benefits from the concert on October 20?
Schools on Wheels (https://indyschoolonwheels.org), which provides tutoring services and educational advocacy for school children in the local homeless community. Local musician Kyle Bledsoe (www.kylebledsoe.com) and rock musician Pat McGee (http://patmcgee.net) will be performing.
What can School on Wheels, and other organizations, expect from this concert?
We partner early with the organization, and help promote the event through their connections. Some of these not-for-profits are so small, and they may not have staff, so putting together a fundraising event could be overwhelming. So, we take that pressure off them. We encourage the organizations to attend in full force to share their mission with the attendees, letting them know exactly where the dollars go.
What can attendees expect?
Concerts are held at Lucas Estate in Carmel (1143 W. 116th St.) and doors open at 6 pm. When folks arrive, there is an opportunity to network and enjoy food. Sometimes, artists will visit. It all depends on the artist, but some donate items, such as a personal guitar that they’ve signed, so there may be an opportunity to auction that off. Artists often have merchandise available for purchase, too. Concerts start around 7 pm.
How do we get tickets?
Tickets can be purchased on our website and are $75, which include entry, appetizers, beer and wine. You can also purchase a season pass for $200 for 2019’s lineup, which will be announced soon. A season pass will allow you to attend all four concerts next year.
How can the community help?
If you know of a not-for-profit that could benefit from our programming, send them our way. Buy tickets! The more people who attend, the more money we can provide to the charity. If you can’t attend, you can support by choosing the “can’t attend but want to support” $75 option on the website.
Learn more about Indy Concerts for a Cause by visiting their website at www.indyconcertsforacause.org.
