UPSTATE — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions announced recently the 18th annual Blue Ridge Fest, held on May 8, raised a total of $185,000 to benefit local nonprofit organizations in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee

BLUE RIDGE FEST

and Pickens counties.

Since the event’s inception almost a decade ago, Blue Ridge Fest has donated more than $2 million to numerous agencies in the Upstate area that provide people with basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and health care. In addition, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative is celebrating its 75th anniversary in August.

This year a number of nonprofits received funds from Blue Ridge Fest. The charities include: Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Developmental Center for Exceptional Children, Dot’s Kitchen of Westminster, Fair Play Camp School, Hidden Treasure Christian School, North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Rosa Clark Medical Clinic, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, The Dream Center of Pickens County, The Parenting Place-Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County and United Christian Ministries. Representatives from both Blue Ridge Security Solutions and Blue Ridge Electric will host check presentations later this month for each nonprofit organization receiving funds.

“This year’s Blue Ridge Fest, paired with Blue Ridge Electric’s 75th anniversary, has enabled us to support our community at a very high level,” CEO and president Charles Dalton said. “We’re pleased to continually assist a number of charitable organizations that serve individuals within our area.”

The annual festival boasts the “Upstate’s largest classic-car cruise-in,” along with a beach night show and dance that features nationally known entertainers. The festival attracted more than 6,000 attendees and 450 classic cars. Blue Ridge Fest is organized and executed by 250 Blue Ridge Electric and Blue Ridge Security employee volunteers, enabling the festival to maximize its proceeds to benefit local charities.