Poverty is Real – Benefit Concert to Support Pisgah Legal Services

Red June will perform at the benefit on Saturday, September 8. Photo: Kim Laviolette
by Anna Keller

Poverty affects more than 46 million Americans. In addition, the obstacles to addressing the problem seem insurmountable – but not to a group called Poverty is Real. They believe great music combined with strong community support can produce lasting change.

Poverty is Real (PIR) – a non-profit group based in Decatur, Georgia – is hosting their fourth fundraising event at The Orange Peel in Asheville on Saturday, September 8. All money raised from the concert will be donated to Pisgah Legal Services.

“We are excited and grateful to be the beneficiaries of the first Poverty Is Real concert in Asheville,” said Tina Owen, Pisgah Legal Service’s development director. “This is a great opportunity not only to raise money but also to spread the word about Pisgah Legal Services as one of the leading antipoverty organizations in the region. The money raised will provide free civil legal aid to western North Carolinians in crisis – victims of domestic violence, families facing homelessness, disadvantaged children, and vulnerable seniors.”

The concert will feature an impressive line-up of well-established local musicians including Stephaniesid, Laura Reed, The American Gonzo, and Red June. Copies of the commemorative CD comprised of original songs from participating artists will also be for sale at the show.

“Asheville is an amazing town, filled with great musicians, businesses, and citizens who care about their community, making it a natural fit for a Poverty is Real show,” said Mike Killeen, PIR’s founder and president. “Working with Pisgah Legal Services – who are so deeply rooted in helping those in need in the Asheville community – is the start of what we hope to be a strong and lasting partnership.”

In addition to support of Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), Poverty is Real will also be donating an instrument to Asheville-based non-profit Give to the Music. Their organization makes music lessons possible for children who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) helps more than 12,000 low-income people annually to meet their basic needs such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, finding safe housing, and accessing health care and subsistence income. PLS’ main service area includes six counties in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Spindale.

For more information or to make a donation, call Pisgah Legal Services at (828) 253-0406, toll-free at 1-800-489-6144, or visit www.pisgahlegal.org.

To learn more about Poverty is Realvisit www.povertyisreal.us.