Follypalooza -Saturday October 20th, 2012 11-6. Come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of Follypalooza on Center Street in Folly Beach and help out some of Folly’s most in need. The benefit raises money and awareness for local cancer patients. This is one of the best festivals of the year on folly Beach and this year’s will be no different. Bring the whole family, kids and pets included and party with a cause on Folly Beach.
Follypalooza Music Lineup
Grill at The Edge Stage:
12:00 – 1:30 Louis D Project
2:00 – 3:15 Bringers of The Dawn
3:45 – 5:00 Dead 27s: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix
Follywood Stage:
11:30 – 12:50 Eric Penrod Trio
1:20 – 2:45 Rufus Tully Band
3:15 – 4:45 Calhoun’s Calling
Follypalooza Aims to Raise Money for Local Cancer Patients
Folly Beach, SC – Entering into its fifth year, Follypalooza, an annual street festival on Folly Beach, is once again recruiting the support of the greater Charleston community on October 20th to raise money for locals inflicted with cancer.
“Follypalooza has been a very rewarding event for not only the individuals that it helps in a real time of need, but also to the organizers and Folly Beach community who have made it successful so far. The event gets bigger every year and we want to see that growth continue this year – the more people that come to the event, the more people we can help,” says DJ Rich, President of Follypalooza and Co-Owner of Planet Follywood. “Our record so far was $7,000 in 2009. We were able to help a lot of people, but the recession hurt a little in 2010 and 2011. This year, we are going bigger and better in order to attract more folks from all over to help us raise more money than we ever have before.”
In the last four years, the non-profit organization has been successful in raising almost $20,000 for local cancer patients through its carnival-themed event on Center Street. To date, the funds raised have helped 17 individuals alleviate financial stress caused by impeding medical bills. Two of these recipients, Mechelle Neunsinger and Nathan Calhoun, are now cancer survivors, thanks to the help of the community and the funds raised by Follypalooza.
“I received that report everyone dreads to hear, I have breast cancer. I was a marathon runner, ate healthy food, and had my yearly mammograms. During chemotherapy treatments my white blood cell count became very low making it difficult to work. I received a call from DJ Rich asking if I could stop by Planet Follywood he had something to give me, DJ handed me a check. My little island of caring people was there for me at my lowest point. I am healthy and cancer free and still have the love and concern of my “family on Folly” just making sure I am still doing well,” said Neunsigner.
All recipients of funds raised at the event are screened by the Folly Angels, another Folly Beach non-profit that dedicates it’s time to helping people in the community. The Folly Angels are a long standing philanthropic-oriented group who have been great partners in identifying and verifying cancer patients in need, and also keeping recipients anonymous if they so choose.
Follypalooza raises money through the sale of various sponsorships and t-shirts, a silent auction, as well as a variety of carnival games and activities. As one of the most family-friendly events on Folly Beach, this year’s event will feature appearances by Charlie the River Dog, Cool Ray of the Stingrays as well as local food and art vendors, live music, a jump castle, bungee jousting, and a dunk tank. The City of Folly Beach has approved the closure of Center Street between Ashley and Huron Avenues as well as the relaxation of open container laws within designated areas allowing for a carefree and fun day for all.
This year’s live music will feature all local Charleston bands including the Eric Penrod Project, Calhoun’s Calling (led by cancer survivor, Nathan Calhoun), Louie D. Project, Bringers of the Dawn, Dead 27, Folly Reggae All Stars and the Folly Beach Blue Grass Society.
Follypalooza was started in 2008 by DJ Rich of Planet Follywood and managers of the former Conch restaurant when a local restaurant owner and musician (Calhoun) were diagnosed with cancer and undergoing expensive and intensive treatment. In its first year, the event raised almost $3,000 for the two individuals and also brought light to the immense range of cancer patients who needed help. It was decided that Follypalooza would become an annual event, raising money for local cancer patients in need.
“They needed our help, and we came up with Follypalooza as a way to bring awareness to the issue, as well as help them monetarily through this rough time,” said Rich. “It continues to be a beacon of light for people in their darkest hour.”
This year’s festival is on October 20th from 11 am to 6 pm on Center Street. Entrance to the event is free, tickets for games and activities can be purchased on Center Street throughout the day. Additional information regarding the event will be released as it becomes available.
Businesses or individuals interested in participating and/or supporting this event via sponsorships, silent auction donations, volunteering, or monetary donations can contact the organization’s Board of Directors at follypaloozafestival@yahoo.com or 843-323-5607.
For more information on the event, please visit us on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/#!/