Conscious Party: Safe festival fundraising

WHAT: Harmonia by the Water

WHEN: Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

WHERE: 796 Riverside Dr., Asheville

WHY: As Asheville’s popularity as a mecca for the arts, music and creative events and festivals soars, so too do the number of people who require medical and/or security attention during these events. Safe in Harmonia, a new local business in search of its 501(c)(3) status, recognizes this need and has as its mission to provide support services and educational opportunities for those experiencing difficulties during mass gatherings. “We have a really diverse group of professionals doing really great things,” notes outreach coordinator Johanna Hagarty. “We want to help people with all sorts of needs, not just with substance issues.”

To support this mission, Harmonia is hosting a mini-festival for the whole family at The Bywater. Hula hoops, bubbles, crayons and more will be available in a kids’ area, and guests are encouraged to brings toys and games to supplement the fun. A variety of local vendors will be on hand for patrons to peruse, and a portion of vendors’ proceeds will benefit Safe in Harmonia. The event will feature an art auction as well as a raffle, featuring local art and vendor donations, respectively. Raffle tickets are $2 each/$5 for 7/$10 for 15. All raffle and auction proceeds will benefit Safe in Harmonia.

The event will also feature a variety of musical performances and fire spinners. Concluding the night’s festivities is a “super jam,” featuring locals D Smith (JGB), Eric and Kyle Travers (Travers Brothership), Micah Thomas (Brushfire Stankgrass), Mike Rhodes (Mike Rhodes Fellowship), Juan Holliday (Secret B Sides), Edward Link, Marcel Anton, Phluter Phil and more.

Tickets are $5, with 100 percent of ticket sales donated to Safe in Harmonia. Donated clothing will also be on sale in the bazaar, with all proceeds from clothing sales benefiting the organization. Funds generated during this event will be used to train staff on mediation, mental health, substance abuse and other issues common to festivals; supplies for on-site events and professional services. For more information, visit safeinharmonia.org.

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About Michael McDonald
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