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Golisano Children's Hospital / Ways to Give / Strong Kids Newsletter / 2013 Summer / Fairport Festival Benefits Hospital
 

Fairport Festival Benefits Hospital

Strong Kids Newsletter

CMNH Telethon celebrates 30th anniversary

 

Annual Music and Food Festival Benefits Hospital and Community Alike

With a great line up of live music, tons of food, and children’s activities, Fairport residents Rob Burch and Andy McDermott have once again put together one of the most anticipated summer events in the Rochester area -- the 9th annual Fairport Music and Food Festival, which will be held from noon to 10 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 24 on Liftbridge Lane in Fairport.

The Fairport Music and Food Festival began in 2005, raising $13,700 to be donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The event has broken its previous record each year, and to date has met the half-way point to one million, raising more than $500,000. “We really don’t focus on the money,” McDermott said. “We just want to put on a quality event.”

A high quality event is exactly what these men have created. This year, 22 bands will perform across three stages, including: Commander Cody, Chris Duarte, Jumbo Shrimp, Tommy Brunett Band, Campbell Brothers, Northside Johnny, Teagan and the Tweeds, Mitty and the Followers, The Buzzards, and many more, for a total of 10 hours of live entertainment.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of the music,” Burch said.

McDermott added. “We want the selection to be as eclectic as possible, with all different genres.”

Music won’t be without food, as dozens of Fairport food vendors will set up stands to provide refreshments and sell signature dishes. Beer tents are located at each stage area for festival go-ers 21 and up. In addition, entertainment for the kids will include an arts and crafts table, rock wall climbing, bounce house, and appearances by the Magic Guy and Gadgets the Clown. Local organizations are invited to set up stands to advertise themselves to the community. Burch and McDermott claim that the event is not theirs, “it’s the sponsors’ event, and we’re just trying to make it happen for them.” McDermott also commented on the vast amount of help received from the volunteers at the event, “They are all totally engaged, and take a certain ownership in helping out.”

Burch and McDermott choose where the proceeds go based on the needs of the hospital. In the past, their donations have funded a pediatric anesthesia machine, flat-screen televisions for 4-1600 and 4-3600 to enhance the Get Well Network, two Giraffe Omnibed Incubators and the playroom in the B&L Wholesale Outpatient Pediatric Treatment Center. The proceeds will also support a private in-patient room, as well as a large nursing workstation in the new Golisano Children’s Hospital building. Burch and McDermott have made a commitment to fund the pediatric playroom in the new building as well.

Surgeon-in-Chief at Golisano Children’s Hospital Walter Pegoli, M.D., said, “It’s an event that not only benefits the hospital, but the community as well. Rob and Andy are two great men who are doing great things for the community all around.” It is no surprise that Burch and McDermott were named Miracle Makers in 2009 for Outstanding Commitment by a Community Group.

Burch and McDermott have also created the “Fairport Music Festival Scholarship” in the local Fairport-Perinton chapter of the national “Dollars for Scholars” program. Two $500 scholarships were awarded to a pair of high school students in the area. “It’s just one more way to tie the event into the community,” McDermott said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased for $10 in advance online or at many Fairport merchants, and for $15 at the door. Admission is free for children under 12. Visit www.fairportmusicfestival.com/tickets for more ticket information. All proceeds benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital.

WHAT: Fairport Music & Food Fest
WHEN: Noon to dark Aug. 24
TICKETS: $10 in advance/$15 at the door. Children under 12 are free