CONTACT:
Paul Gaither, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 512-684-2528
Cell: 512-550-9030
pgaither@austinfoodbank.org
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Austin Reggae Festival set for April 15 – 17
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Three-day event helps fight hunger in Central Texas
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Festival has raised more than 2.6 million meals over the last 5 years
The Austin Reggae Festival returns for its 23rd year of celebrating great music and fighting hunger in Central Texas, Friday, April 15th through Sunday, April 17th, at Auditorium Shores. The three-day festival benefits the Capital Area Food Bank, allowing the Food Bank to provide meals to thousands of Central Texans facing hunger and helping to close a “hunger gap” that leaves nearly 30 percent of our neighbors who are at risk of hunger without food assistance in their time of need.
Last year alone, the Reggae Festival raised more than 400,000 meals for Central Texas families facing hunger, making it one of the Food Bank’s largest single food and fund raising events. Over the last five years, Reggae Fest has provided more than 2.6 million meals.
“The Reggae Festival is a key event for the Food Bank, helping us to refill our warehouse just prior to the summer season when so many children, seniors and families struggle with hunger,” said Hank Perret, President and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank. “Thanks to the generosity of festival organizers and patrons, the Food Bank will be able to bring nourishing food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to thousands of our neighbors who might otherwise do without.”
One in 6 Central Texans faces hunger on a regular basis; for children, the number is 1 in every 4. And despite the Food Bank’s best efforts—more than 28 million meals provided last year—more people are turning for help to the Capital Area Food Bank and its Partner Agencies every day.
A portion of the admission fee benefits the Food Bank. Although additional donations are not required for entry, patrons are encouraged to bring two cans of food and/or donate cash at the entry gates. The Food Bank can turn every dollar donated into 4 meals, so every donation helps.
“We are proud of the longstanding partnership between the Austin Reggae Festival and the Capital Area Food Bank,” said festival producer Pat Costigan. “What we’ve accomplished over the years to help feed thousands of Central Texas families speaks volumes about the caring, giving nature of the reggae culture.”
The event will feature top reggae acts such as Bunny Wailer, Black Slate, Raging Fyah, Katchafire, the Skatalites, Atash and many more. There will also be a large market area offering clothes, jewelry and other great gift ideas from around the world, as well as several food vendors cooking up dishes from around the world.
Tickets to Austin Reggae Festival are just $15 per day or $40 for a 3 day pass if purchased in advance at www.austinreggaefest.com. Single-day tickets will be available for $20 at the gate.
Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday and the park closes at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
About the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
The mission of Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. Founded in 1981, CAFB provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, CAFB serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on CAFB and its programs, visit http://www.austinfoodbank.org.
