Ashley for the Arts Donates Over $750,000 to Area Non-Profits in 15th Anniversary Celebration

Furniture World News Desk on 8/22/2024

The 15th annual Ashley for the Arts festival, held from August 8-10, generated a record donation of over $750,000, benefiting more than 70 participating non-profit organizations. The three-day event, which attracted tens of thousands of attendees, featured a lineup of live entertainment, art and craft vendors, a variety of food options, an inflatable air park, and much more.

"As we celebrate our 15th anniversary year, we are immensely grateful to our incredible fans, volunteers, sponsors and the supportive community for helping Ashley for the Arts grow into one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events,” said Cole Bawek, Event Director. “The unwavering enthusiasm and participation have made this milestone event a truly remarkable celebration of art, music and community. We look forward to continuing to bring joy, inspiration, and cultural experiences for many years to come."

The festival began on Thursday with performances by The Jimmys, Josieellen, The VanDwellers, and Them Coulee Boys, concluding with a fireworks display. The Pursuit of a Cure Glow Run saw 375 participants in neon attire, culminating in a neon-yellow foam party. Proceeds from the Glow Run, luminaria sales, and a charity raffle supported medical research and helped offset medical-related costs for families in need.

Throughout the weekend, the festival grounds were bustling with activity. Memorial Park Drive hosted over 75 art and craft vendors showcasing their skills and unique creations. Attendees also visited Ashley Furniture’s “Ashley Zone,” which featured the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including Heartworks, City of Hope, and Wreaths Across America. The area also included interactive activities for children in the “How It’s Made” section, where they could design their own Ashley products.

Additional entertainment included street performers, fire dancers, an extreme pogo stunt show, line dancing lessons, and local school performances. The Timberwork’s Lumberjack Show returned with a performance inspired by Wisconsin’s logging history. Families enjoyed various activities such as an inflatable air park, interactive art, a petting zoo, STEM education activities, and more, all included in the low-cost admission.

The Main Stage lineup featured performances by Old Dominion, Journey, Bret Michaels, The Script, Vertical Horizon, LOCASH, Tigirlily Gold, and Neal McCoy. On Saturday, a hot air balloon launch preceded Bret Michaels' performance, and the festival concluded with Old Dominion's performance of their certified platinum hit "I Was On A Boat That Day."

Ashley for the Arts expressed gratitude to all attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and emergency personnel for their support, which made the event possible. The festival, hosted by Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, relies on community and corporate sponsorships, as well as the efforts of volunteers who filled over 3,500 shifts.

Save the date for the 2025 Ashley for the Arts festival, scheduled for August 7-9 in Arcadia, Wisconsin.

For more information, visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com.

About Ashley for the Arts 
Ashley for the Arts is a nonprofit initiative that provides the entire family with world class entertainment, art, exercise and amily fun for a remarkably low cost. The organization is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, donating over $4 Million since its inception to more than 70 non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities, and medical research. This music and arts festival was conceptualized and established by Ashley Furniture Industries in 2009 and takes place in Arcadia, Wisconsin’s Memorial Park.  

For more information on Ashley for the Arts, visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com.