PLUMFEST ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD, NAMES BENEFICIARY, AND LAUNCHES ART CONTEST
April 17, 2024April 18, 2024
For immediate release
Contact: Mary Ellen Powers
info@plumfest.org
617.301.0238
PLUMFEST ANNOUNCES
NEW BOARD, NAMES BENEFICIARY, AND LAUNCHES ART CONTEST
April 15, 2024 –NEWBURY, MA– PlumFest organizers today announced new
event leadership and features of their annual island-wide music festival. The
organization has expanded their team, created a Board of Directors, added a rain
date contingency plan, and today announces an art contest to invite community
members to submit original designs to be used in this year’s marketing of
PlumFest.
New Leadership
“PlumFest is a special event,” shared organization President, Mary Ellen Powers,
“…and we wanted to bring new voices, energy, experience, and ideas to the table
to increase our impact and build on the goodwill and service to the community
created by founders Cynthia Keefe and Kevin Kelley. We have an outstanding
team and Board of Directors to make this happen.” The team is lead by Powers
and includes Vice President and Marketing Manager Shannon Kinney, Treasurer
and Director of Finance Tom O’Reilly, Clerk and Sponsorship Manager Shanon
Heckethorn, Volunteer Manager Kimberly Hutchins, Fundraising Manager Kim
Richards, Fundraising Events Manager ,Linda DeMoura, board chairman Ken
DeMoura, and board members Tom Godbout, Cathy Hallisey, and Jennifer
Lampman.
Calling All Artists
Each year, a new design is created that becomes the symbol of PlumFest and is
used on their collectible t-shirts, stickers, posters, website, and social media
channels. This year, the organization has created a contest to encourage
members of the community to submit their ideas and artwork to be considered for
use in the 2024 event branding.
“We wanted to find a way to involve more members of the community and share
their ideas of the spirit of PlumFest,” said Kinney, “and we can’t wait to see what
people submit.” Entries need to follow specific image guidelines and must be
received no later than midnight on May 1. See the PlumFest Facebook page for
specific details.
2024 Beneficiary announced
PlumFest is a registered non-profit and each year raises money for a chosen
beneficiary. PlumFest has elected to name the Boys and Girls Club of Lower
Merrimack Valley as beneficiary of this year’s 2024 PlumFest event. Funds
raised over the years have contributed to the building and outfitting of the club’s
popular music room. Powers testifies: “Because inspiring local youth to express
themselves through music is near and dear to our hearts and the PlumFest
event, we are excited to support them again this year. Executive Director Jim
Keenan and the volunteers on his staff work hard each year to support the
success of our event, and we are looking forward to rededicating our efforts this
year for this worthy organization that helps so many local children.” Keenan
agreed: “All of us here at the Boys and Girls Club of lower Merrimack Valley are
very excited to be partnering with PlumFest once again, and it will benefit our
music program and our club members.”
In 2023, PlumFest was canceled for safety reasons due to the impending
hurricane forecast to hit the island on the day of the event. The organization has
now built a rain date into their planning. The music festival will be held this year
on September 14 from 12:00–6:00 p.m., and a rain date is scheduled for
September 15. The PlumFest event is free. The hosts and bands volunteer, and
our citizen volunteer squad gives their time to help with logistics.
The organization will be host a volunteer drive on June 30 at the Sunset Club on
Plum Island from 12:00–4:00 p.m. and the popular “Half Way to PlumFest”
fundraising event on June 9 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the new RipTide Cafe on
Plum Island. To learn more about our event or enter our art contest, visit us on
Facebook, Instagram, and PlumFest.org.
About PlumFest
PlumFest is an annual, Plum Island-wide celebration of live music and
community and is part of the Porchfest movement. PlumFest is a non-profit
volunteer-run organization incorporated as a charitable foundation to bring local
musicians, island residents, and visitors together to showcase the natural beauty
and artistry that make Plum Island a special place. As an early participant in the
porchfest movement that is gaining popularity nation-wide, PlumFest brings its
own unique seaside flavor to the gathering. PlumFest celebrates music and the
positive connections it creates; embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility; and welcomes all to participate. PlumFest gives back to the
community through financial support and service and fosters goodwill, charity,
and good corporate citizenship in all our activities.
Website: www.plumfest.org
About the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley
The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Merrimack Valley is a regional center
where school-age children can have fun and learn in a safe and structured
environment. The club, located in the former Salisbury Memorial School, has
been a second home to more than two thousand members and is today an
essential part of the lives of hundreds of young families.
The club is a leader in afterschool enrichment programs in the Lower Merrimack
Valley. Every year the club's membership grows larger, and every year the club
creates new programs for the children to participate in. The club serves children
6-18 years old from Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, Newbury, West
Newbury, Rowley, Byfield, Merrimac, Hampton, NH, Seabrook, NH, and other
surrounding communities. The club’s achievements are extensive, and they are
committed to aggressively expanding their services to reach more children. With
the help of all the individuals, corporations, and foundations who share the
beliefs in the potential of all girls and boys, regardless of their circumstances,
Website: www.https://www.bgclmv.org/
