Just a Few Friends Festival Makes Waves in Key West, Donates $34,000 to Local Charities
Just a Few Friends Makes a check presentation to Bahamas Village Music Program. From L to R:
Jill Snodgrass, Sean Krikorian, Kawana Staffney-Ashe, Director Bahamas Village Music Program, Donovan Staffney, Jordan Upchurch, Paul Menta & Elizabeth Brown, Director Community Foundation of the Florida Keys
Key West, FL – This week, the organizers of the Just a Few Friends Festival, held over Labor Day weekend, proudly presented checks totaling $34,000 to two local charities, thanks to the generosity of festival attendees who purchased souvenir badges. The proceeds from the event were managed by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and will benefit Reef Relief and the Bahamas Village Music Program.
Festival founders Paul Menta, Jordan Upchurch, Jill Snodgrass, and Sean Krikorian expressed their gratitude for the support from the guests. “It’s incredible to see how a first-year event can raise such significant funds. We are thrilled to be able to donate $17,000 to each charity,” said Menta. “Our goal is to continue helping the community and make even bigger contributions in the future.”
Reef Relief expressed profound appreciation for the donation. Dora DeMaria, Assistant Executive Director noted, “We are so grateful for the folks at Just a Few Friends and all of those who bought passes to support our mission. With this generous donation, we will be able to bolster our education and outreach programs.” Last school year alone, Reef Relief’s education program reached over 15,500 students from 45 states and 20 countries, with over 250 children participating in their spring and summer camp programs. Since the beginning of September, they have already reached over 3,000 students through free marine science programs.
The funds from the festival will enable Reef Relief to continue offering quality marine science information to students worldwide, ensuring accessibility regardless of location or background. Additionally, proceeds will support camp expenses, allowing fees to remain low and affordable while also funding scholarships for local underprivileged youth. Funds will also engage volunteers in community projects, including marine debris removal and storm drain stenciling events.
The Bahamas Village Music Program, under the leadership of Executive Director Kawana Staffney-Ashe, will utilize their generous donation to support the establishment of a new music studio within the upcoming Frederick Douglass Community Center in Bahama Village, Key West, Florida. This state-of-the-art community center, which is set to open in January 2025, will feature a gym, classrooms, music rooms, and various other resources for the community.
The new studio will serve as a vibrant hub for recording, mixing, and other vital functions, equipping local artists with the necessary tools to flourish in the music industry. “It is crucial to help young students thrive and promote their musical talent,” Staffney-Ashe emphasized. “This donation will provide them with opportunities to express themselves and develop their skills in a supportive environment.” The mission of the Bahamas Village Music Program is to deliver high-quality music education to children who may otherwise lack access to private music instruction.
As the festival organizers reflect on the success of the inaugural event, they are already planning for future iterations that will aim to make an even greater impact on the community. The Just a Few Friends Festival stands as a testament to the power of community support and the positive change it can bring. Next year’s festival is scheduled for August 29 through September 1, 2025.
For more information about the Just a Few Friends Festival and its charitable contributions, please contact Jill Snodgrass at 305.731.5780.
About Just a Few Friends Festival:
The Just a Few Friends Festival is an annual celebration in Key West, FL, that celebrates Jimmy Buffett’s legacy by bringing together fans and community members to enjoy music, culture, and fun while raising funds for local charities. https://www.justafewfriendskeywest.com/
About Reef Relief:
Reef Relief is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring coral reefs through education, advocacy, and community involvement. https://www.reefrelief.org/
About the Bahamas Village Music Program:
The Bahamas Village Music Program provides music education and opportunities for local youth, helping to foster creativity and talent in the community. https://bvmpkw.com/
About Community Foundation of the Florida Keys:
The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Florida Keys. By supporting local initiatives and charitable projects, the Foundation aims to strengthen the community and address pressing needs through strategic grantmaking. Their work empowers individuals and organizations to create positive change, fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for the Florida Keys. https://cffk.org/
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