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Group gives thanks

Dear Editor:

Athens Arts League is honored that Athens native and singer Anderson East and members of his band took time during the Thanksgiving holiday to perform a benefit concert for Scout Music House. The concert not only raised around $17,000 for the final phase of Scout Music House, it also gave his family, friends and fans an opportunity to see him perform at home.

This supportive spirit is throughout Athens and among its citizens. Athens Arts League would like to thank Athens-Limestone Hospital for being the concert sponsor and Athens State University for working with us on rental of the ballroom and McCandless Hall. Food Fite did a fabulous job on the pre-concert finger foods.

We also had anonymous sponsors who paid for four high school students to learn about setting up for a concert and for their free admission. One student said he documented the entire experience for his portfolio.

After the event, concertgoer and local businessman Frank Crafts kickstarted a Giving Tuesday Facebook fundraiser for Athens Arts League, which had raised more than $2,200 as of Nov. 30.

Athens Arts League appreciates how the community has embraced expanding art opportunities for all ages in Athens and Limestone County.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Hilton Sampieri

President of Athens Arts League Board of Directors