PICKENS — On May 14-15 make your plans to be in Pickens for the 13th Annual Blue Ridge Fest. This annual charity fundraiser will bring to the stage some of the best beach music you will find anywhere. Beginning with the Legends of Beach, followed by Jim Quick and Coastline, the music will begin at 6 p.m.

Traveling here from Las Vegas, The Temptations with Dennis Edwards will end the evening with such classics as “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Since I Lost My Baby.” Great music combined with the Largest Cruise-In in the Upstate promises to provide entertainment for everyone.

Saturday’s Charity Motorcycle Ride will start at the Pickens equipment facility. Bikers will leave from there on a 100-mile run that will conclude at Timms Harley-Davidson in Anderson.

Blue Ridge employees host Blue Ridge Fest each year to raise money for a number of local charities. However, this year is special because Blue Ridge Fest should reach a major milestone in charitable giving…one million dollars! In the past twelve years more than $950,000 has been given to help families and individuals in the communities of Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties. Last year alone, Blue Ridge Fest raised $142,000. The money at this year’s Blue Ridge Fest will be distributed to 13 charities chosen by an employee committee. This year the proceeds will be distributed to Foothills Alliance, Golden Corner Food Bank, Haven of Rest, Helping Hands, Mary’s House, Miracle Hill, Prevent Child Abuse, Residential Service Parent & Family Club, Rosa Clark Medical Association, Sabrina House Children’s Charity, Samaritan Health Clinic, Shriners Hospital for Children and Tamassee DAR School.

This year almost 100 corporate and individual sponsors are supporting these charities through their financial and in-kind contributions to Blue Ridge Fest. Their donations already total more than $130,000. Blue Ridge President and CEO Charles E. Dalton suggests community needs as a major factor driving this outpouring of support.

“Many of our corporate donors are, I know, giving sacrificially because they recognize that a large portion of our area’s population continues to need help,” Dalton said. “Their generosity is so important to the success of our event.”

For more information about Blue Ridge Fest call 800-240-3400 or visit our web site at blueridgefest.com.