Press Releases
Harry's Foundation Distributing $ 8,500 to Southwest Michigan Causes
Online PR News – 31-July-2017 – Kalamazoo, MI – Harry’s Foundation will distribute $ 8,500.00 to five southwest Michigan youth causes from proceeds generated by Harry Fest in 2016. Big Brothers Big Sisters will receive $ 3,000, Wes Leonard’s Heart Team $ 3,000, First Day Shoes $ 1,500, and two $ 500 scholarships were awarded to students from Plainwell and Otsego High schools.
“Being a volunteer driven 501©3, it allows us to give back whatever we make” said Harry’s Foundation President Matt Adams. “What we generate at Harry Fest is typically what we are able to pass on to our causes. It’s all through the generosity of our sponsors, contributors, and Harry Fest attendees that make this possible.”
Harry Fest is the annual event hosted by Harry’s Foundation, which serves as the foundations only fund raiser, and also a day to recognize and pay tribute to Harry Stout.
Harry Stout was a Plainwell seventh grader who passed on in November of 2004. Since that time, family and friends have kept his memory alive and worked to make life better for those less fortunate. Our devotion and effort continue to be motivated by the compassion and generosity of the foundation's namesake. rnrn“When Harry was nine, he took what amounted to half his net worth and bought a struggling classmate a pair of new shoes. He placed them in his locker anonymously forgoing the recognition and accolades associated with doing something so kind. Harry knew he had everything that was truly important; a family that loved him unconditionally, great friends, and the belief that anything was possible.”
This is the spirit of Harry Fest.
This year’s festival will be on Saturday, September 16th at Old Dog Tavern in downtown Kalamazoo, and will again feature live music from four bands, a live auction, flip cup tournament, and food and beverages served by Old Dog Tavern.
There are several ways the public can support and participate in Harry Fest. Sponsorship's, items and services for the silent auction, and simply attending all make a big difference to the success and subsequent contributions to Harry’s Foundation causes. The fest starts at 7:00 PM and goes until 1:00 AM.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joe Stout
Executive Director
Harry Stout Foundation
726 Bayberry Lane
Otsego, MI 49078
561-441-6459
7-10-17
“Music Line-up Set for Harry Fest 25"
Harry Fest 25, on Saturday, September 16th will return to The Old Dog Tavern in downtown Kalamazoo. It will be the 12th year that Harry's Foundation has put on the event.
"We're really excited for this year’s music line-up" said Harry's Foundation President Matt Adams. "We have “The Erj” returning, who were a huge draw last year, and three new bands that will be playing Harry Fest for the very first time. Music is the main emphasis of Harry Fest and we have always been fortunate to get not only great bands to donate their time and talent, but we also get a really unique variety of music.”
Also on the bill will be Kalamazoo area bands “The Purple Lemurs” and “Midnight Thirst.” Closing the show will be Lansing based band, “Stick Arounds.”
Harry Fest will take place from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Saturday, September 16th at Old Dog Tavern. Ticket prices are just $ 10.00 and can be purchased in advance on the foundation website, and at the door on event day. All proceeds will benefit Harry's Foundation, a volunteer driven 501(c)3 non-profit that has donated over $ 250,000 to youth causes in southwest Michigan. Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Wes Leonard's Heart team, First Day Shoes and scholarships for Plainwell and Otsego students.
In addition to the fantastic live music, there will be a live auction, a flip cup tournament, and a 50/50 drawing.
Harry Stout was a Plainwell seventh grader who passed on in November of 2004. Since that time, family and friends have kept his memory alive and worked to make life better for those less fortunate. Our devotion and effort continue to be motivated by the compassion and generosity of the foundation's namesake.
“When Harry was nine, he took what amounted to half his net worth and bought a struggling classmate a pair of new shoes. He placed them in his locker anonymously forgoing the recognition and accolades associated with doing something so kind. Harry knew he had everything that was truly important; a family that loved him unconditionally, great friends, and the belief that anything was possible.”
This is the spirit of Harry Fest.
For all details on music line-up, events, partnerships, or volunteering, please visit www.harrysfoundation.org or contact Joe Stout at 561-441-6459 or joe@bigjoestout.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joe Stout
Executive Director
Harry Stout Foundation
726 Bayberry Lane
Otsego, MI 49078
561-441-6459
7-24-16
"Ontray and The Erj Reunion Shows Highlight Harry Fest 24"
Harry Fest 24 is going old school and reuniting two of southwest Michigan's most iconic bands from the 70's and 80's.
Harry Fest 24, on Saturday, September 17th will return to The Old Dog Tavern in downtown Kalamazoo. It will be the 11th year that Harry's Foundation has put on the event, and it promises to be one of great fun and lot's of entertainment.
"We're really excited about having The Erj and Ontray perform this year" said Harry's Foundation President Matt Adams. "Both of these bands were extremely popular several years ago and we believe it's going to be a lot of fun to get them back together 20-30 years later."
Harry Fest will take place from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Saturday, September 19th at Old Dog Tavern. Ticket prices are just $ 10.00 and can be purchased in advance on the foundation website, and at the door on event day. All proceeds will benefit Harry's Foundation, a volunteer driven 501(c)3 non-profit that has donated over $ 180,000 to youth causes in southwest Michigan. Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Wes Leonard's Heart team, First Day Shoes and scholarships for Plainwell and Otsego students.
In addition to The Erj and Ontray, there will be two more live bands, a live auction, a flip cup tournament, and a 50/50 drawing.
Harry Stout was a Plainwell seventh grader who passed on in November of 2004. Since that time, family and friends have kept his memory alive and worked to make life better for those less fortunate. Our devotion and effort continue to be motivated by the compassion and generosity of the foundation's namesake.
“When Harry was nine, he took what amounted to half his net worth and bought a struggling classmate a pair of new shoes. He placed them in his locker anonymously forgoing the recognition and accolades associated with doing something so kind. Harry knew he had everything that was truly important; a family that loved him unconditionally, great friends, and the belief that anything was possible.”
This is the spirit of Harry Fest.
For all details on music line-up, events, partnerships, or volunteering, please visit www.harrysfoundation.org or contact Joe Stout at 561-441-6459 or joe@bigjoestout.com.