To close out the 2025 season, The Coves hosted a warm, holiday-themed celebration honoring Neighbors in Need, a coalition of four Franklin County charities working to fight hunger and healthcare insecurity. By the end of the afternoon, representatives from SML Good Neighbors, the Free Clinic of Franklin County, Stepping Stone Mission (The Franklin County Soup Kitchen), and Transition Basics walked away with a combined $38,000 to support their life-changing programs.
A Cozy Afternoon with Big Impact
The spacious Coves Amphitheater stage was transformed into an intimate holiday gathering space complete with heated lanterns, blankets, and holiday décor. Guests settled in with bowls of gourmet brisket chili and cornbread prepared by Billy Howland of Billy’s SLAPP’N Sauce and Eddie and Debbie Shelton of Diamond S Farms. Dessert came courtesy of Debbie Crawford, who brought in a spread of pies, cheesecakes, and cookies. And tying it all together was an acoustic set from local favorite Corey Hunley.
Hearing Directly from the Charities
Each nonprofit leader took a moment to share how The Coves’ support fuels their work and helps meet the growing need across Franklin County.
“We deliver food to the underprivileged that can’t get to food banks,” explained Lucille Bowman of Transition Basics. “The Coves have helped us tremendously. They support us, they advertise for us – a lot of our funds come from The Coves.”
For Stepping Stone Mission, every dollar matters.
“One out of every eight Franklin County residents is struggling to know where their food is going to come from,” said President Staci Talley. “An 800-dollar skybox purchases 150 meals for our kitchen.”
Ellen Holland from the Free Clinic of Franklin County emphasized the rising healthcare need.
“Reserving a skybox is an excellent way to help the Free Clinic and all the nonprofits with funds to continue our mission… By this time next year, I would even guess that we will have a waiting list.”
And SML Good Neighbors painted the picture clearly.
“We have to raise $260,000 every single year to keep going,” said Executive Director Lisa Lietz. “The support from The Coves is huge for us.”
Welcoming a New Partner: SML Gives
This year, The Coves also recognized SML Gives, Inc., founded by Joey Donovant. His nonprofit steps in where many others struggle: transportation. They deliver food and supplies to residents who would otherwise go without.
Joey shared why this work hits home.
“About 20 years ago, I was homeless and living under a bridge, and I didn’t know where my next meal was,” he said. “Fast forward to today and I have the privilege of building an organization that is serving the community I love so much.”
How Concert Skyboxes Power Local Good
Since 2020, developer Dennis Crumpler and General Manager Gary Jackson have turned concert profits into charitable giving, with skybox reservations acting as the biggest driver of support.
These private temperature-controlled skyboxes include six concert tickets, a party deck, VIP amenities, and optional catering upgrades. And the best part? One hundred percent of skybox proceeds go directly to Neighbors in Need.
Coves Amphitheater has garnered industry attention as a must-see venue to visit. With its stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding Smith Mountain Lake, guests are treated to world-class talent in an intimate rural setting. Popular artists such Old Crow Medicine Show, Indigo Girls, Trampled by Turtles, Michael Franti, and Young the Giant have packed the venue with adoring fans eager to experience their favorite artists in a spot that’s more backyard barbecue than corporate status quo.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Charity Concert Series
The lineup for the 2026 Coves Charity Concert Series is nearly finalized and will be announced soon. Leading up to the announcement, Neighbors in Need partners will open pre-sale skybox reservations for donors, supporters, and corporate sponsors who want to jumpstart next year’s fundraising efforts.
This is a chance to secure premium seating, support Franklin County charities, and help keep essential services running for families in need.
Want to Support Neighbors in Need?
You can donate anytime at covesatsml.com/donate.
Whether you give directly or reserve a skybox for next season, your support helps feed families, provide healthcare, and keep vital services running right here at home.