Conscious Party: Assisting Asheville advocacy

The Sunset River Arts Festival will feature between 75 and 100 artists and vendors situated in a landscaped labyrinth-style path on the grounds of the Asheville Outdoor Center. Photo by Sarah Whelan

WHAT: Sunset River Arts Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 4-10 p.m.

WHERE: Asheville Outdoor Center, 521 Amboy Road

WHY: The Sunset River Arts Festival will feature between 75 and 100 artists and vendors situated in a landscaped labyrinth-style path on the grounds of the Asheville Outdoor Center. Proceeds from the evening will support WNC Advocacy League, a nonprofit that connects community members in need with neighbors and services including legal advocates, mental health specialists, community liaisons and intake specialists.

“There is a large number of people who need services to help them in this area,” says WNCAL founder and executive director Robin Vabolis. “Some people don’t have resources, and we fill in the gaps to provide access for them.”

Guests at the festival can peruse items being offered for auction or for the raffle being held at the end of the evening. Raffle tickets are $1 each/$4 for 5. Items up for grabs include local pottery, organic bath and body products, fiber art, upcycled clothing and massage gift certificates.

Attendees will also enjoy the sounds of local bands and treats from Mojo Coffee and other local food trucks. Local beer will be available from the center’s in-house taproom for $4 per pint. Nonfinancial donations will also be accepted at the event to be distributed directly to needy populations. Admission is by donation, with 100 percent of financial donations going to benefit WNC Advocacy League’s community activities, such as building wheelchair ramps, repairing homes and helping secure legal and mental health needs.

“It’s important to partner with people in the community who want to do good for others in our area,” Vabolis says. “Everybody has the ability to help someone else, and even if you can’t, you know someone who can be a superhero to someone.”

For more information, contact Vabolis at 484-8146. — Michael McDonald

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About Michael McDonald
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