---Photo by Rod Millington

—Photo by Rod Millington

From its humble beginnings as a Sunday afternoon of live music at the legendary 5 O’clock Club, 19th Annual Giving Hunger the Blues Honorary Chair George Generoso had a notion.  Not all the people in our community could afford those fancy $100 a plate charity events but a lot of those folks would nonetheless like to give back. To that end, he asked area musician to donate their time and talent to play a gig he named Giving Hunger the Blues.  Years later, as the event’s popularity grew, a decision was made to take it to the street.  So George picked a Sunday, closed Hillview St, rented a stage, and invited some friends to throw a party.  From those early days when we counted our success by the hundreds of attendees and the thousands of dollars we’d raise, we have since grown to become the area’s largest single day charity event with 5,000+ in attendance and tens of thousands of dollars a year raised each year!  To date, we have raised over $1.4 million dollars!  Those dollars have gone a long way to fund our mission “to feed, protect and nurture the children of our community”.  With three stages of live music (one dedicated to youth bands 18 years old or younger) amazing local food and drink, a kid’s area and entertainment for everyone, this is the place to be.  Get your dancing shoes on….

---Photo by Rod Millington

—Photo by Rod Millington

Date & Times: Sunday. Oct. 30, 2016 from Noon to 9 pm (rain or shine), gates open at 11:30.

Location: Van Wezel Bayfront Lawn & Grand Foyer

Expected Attendance: 5,000+

Demographics: We have a very diverse range of attendees demographically. We have drawn attendance primarily from the Sarasota market with increasing attendance from Manatee County and beyond.

Because this is a “family friendly” event we will entertain all ages – from school children to grandparents.

Publicity: Newspaper, TV, magazine, radio campaigns and t-shirts. In addition, we will distribute flyers and posters throughout Sarasota the weeks leading up to the event. We have an active website and will have a strong presence on social media. Getting your company noticed is one of our main objectives. This event is guaranteed to be one of the area’s most highly advertised and publicized events in our region.

---Photo by Rod Millington

—Photo by Rod Millington

Special Attractions: 3 stages of live music including our very popular youth stage, 15+ food and craft vendors, area with kids games, and more! This is the first and largest single day charity festival in Sarasota.

Past and Present Sponsors:

  • Gettel AutomotiveTeam
  • Renick Real Estate Services
  • Bank United
  • American Momentum Bank
  • The Loan Corporation
  • Gold Coast Distributors
  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital
  • Sarasota Herald Tribune/SNN
  • ABC affiliate WWSB (channel 7)
  • WSLR 96.5 FM
  • WSRZ 107.9 FM
  • REAL magazine
  • Taste Magazine.
---Photo by Rod Millington

—Photo by Rod Millington

Mission Statement:The mission of Giving Hunger The Blues is to feed, protect and nurture the children of our community.

Marketing Goal: To give sponsors an added marketing and advertising opportunity by providing a concentrated target market consisting of individuals and families from Sarasota County and surrounding areas.

Cultural Goal: To enhance the image and increase awareness of the event as well as the non-profits that are benefiting from the event proceeds, the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program and the Women’s Resource Centers of Sarasota & Manatee Counties.

Financial Goal: To produce an event that supports the various programs of the Mayor’s feed the Hungry Program and the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County.

 

 

Expected Media Coverage:

  • Electronic Media including television/cable and radio.
  • Professional advertising campaigns, including interviews with event representatives.
  • Community calendar listings and a series of public service announcements.
  • Print Media including newspapers, listing on events calendars, press releases, etc.
  • Printed Promotional materials including posters, flyers, etc.
  • Social media including extensive coverage through Facebook and other social media outlets leading up to and during the event.