Lodging association raises $25,000 through Blues & BBQ

Funds: $25,000 given from Blues & BBQ

  • With funds raised from the 2024 Blues and BBQ event, committee members donated $4,000 to Snack in a Backpack Thursday, November 7. There for the check presentation is, from left, Paul Gribble, Dena Martin, Snack Executive Director Debby Beck, Heather Bradley and Greg Spencer.
    With funds raised from the 2024 Blues and BBQ event, committee members donated $4,000 to Snack in a Backpack Thursday, November 7. There for the check presentation is, from left, Paul Gribble, Dena Martin, Snack Executive Director Debby Beck, Heather Bradley and Greg Spencer.
  • Representatives of Habitat for Humanity accepted a $5,000 check from Blues & BBQ representatives Paul Gribble and Greg Spencer.
    Representatives of Habitat for Humanity accepted a $5,000 check from Blues & BBQ representatives Paul Gribble and Greg Spencer.
  • Blues & BBQ representatives Paul Gribble, left, and Greg Spencer, right, presented Open Arms a $5,000 check.
    Blues & BBQ representatives Paul Gribble, left, and Greg Spencer, right, presented Open Arms a $5,000 check.

    The 13th annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival, hosted by the Blue Ridge Lodging Association September 21, 2024, raised $25,000 to support local charities in Fannin County.

    Event organizer Paul Gribble said he wants to emphasize that these proceeds from the event will benefit several organizations dedicated to assisting the community and children in need, including Snack in a Backpack, Fannin County Children’s Fund, Shop with a Cop, Habitat for Humanity, Open Arms and the Veterans Fund. The festival’s fundraising efforts directly contribute to meeting the needs of residents in the region.

    The Blue Ridge Lodging Association, which focuses on promoting the short-term lodging and vacation home industry in Blue Ridge, plays a pivotal role in driving tourism and community engagement. Each year, visitors to the festival actively participate in supporting these charitable initiatives, further strengthening the connection between tourism and local giving.

    In addition to this year’s success, proceeds from the 2024 Blues & BBQ Festival will also support organizations such as the Ferst Foundation and North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network, ensuring continued support for vital programs in the area.

    For more information about the Blues & BBQ Festival and the organizations it supports, visit www.blueridgebluesandbbq.com, or learn more about the Blue Ridge Lodging Association at www.stayinblueridge.com.