Poverty Is Real raises $11,000 for beneficiaries in Athens and Nashville during November concert events

Poverty Is Real (PIR) — a Decatur-based nonprofit dedicated to aiding local charities in the fight against poverty by hosting music concerts across the Southeast — has announced that its November shows in Athens, GA and Nashville, TN raised a combined total of $11,000 for their respective beneficiaries. This is PIR’s third year hosting a charity event in Athens and its second in Nashville.

The Athens concert series collected $5,000 for Whatever It Takes (WITAthens.org) — a nonprofit that aims to get every child in Athens on track to graduate with a post-secondary education by 2020. This series featured Justin Townes Earle, soul-legend Swamp Dogg, Lee Baines III and the Glory Fires, Greenhouse Lounge, and Seven Handle Circus.

The Nashville event collected $6,000 for Open Table Nashville (OpenTableNashville.org) — a nonprofit, interfaith community that disrupts cycles of poverty, journeys with the marginalized, and provides education on issues of homelessness. This event featured musical acts such as Jeff Hyde, Erin Endelin, Cheryl LuQuire, Eric Brace, and The Winter Sounds.

“We had a great time in Athens and Nashville, and are grateful to everyone in those towns who supported the events,” said PIR Executive Director Spencer Smith. “We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to support amazing organizations like Whatever It Takes and Open Table Nashville.”

Poverty Is Real (PIR) is a Decatur, Georgia-based 501(c)(3) organization that leverages the universal love of music to fight poverty and homelessness at the local level. Specifically, PIR selects local-level charities combating poverty on the frontlines and host music concerts to celebrate their work and to raise funds for them. PIR shows unite communities by inviting local businesses to sponsor the events and by increasing awareness. Most importantly, every dollar raised at PIR concerts goes directly to the beneficiary. Learn more at PovertyisReal.us.