Local Charities Form Coalition to Combat Food and Health Care Shortages in Franklin County
Four Franklin County nonprofits have joined forces to raise awareness and address the critical shortage of food and health care services affecting the area’s underserved residents.
Neighbors in Need is a new coalition founded by the executive directors of four local organizations: Ellen Holland of the Free Clinic of Franklin County (Bernard Healthcare Center), Lisa Lietz of SML Good Neighbors, Staci Talley (Stepping Stone Mission soup kitchen), and Lucille Bowman of Transitions Basics. By uniting their efforts, Neighbors in Need aims to bring greater attention to the ongoing challenges facing Franklin County’s most vulnerable populations.
The 2025 Neighbors in Need Charity Campaign
To support its mission, Neighbors in Need has partnered with The Coves Amphitheater to launch a new fundraising initiative. The amphitheater will donate 100% of all skybox proceeds from the 2025 Coves Charity Concert Series directly to Neighbors in Need.
Each temperature-controlled skybox includes six tickets to the show, a private deck, VIP bar and restroom access, and a direct view of the stage. Skyboxes are available to rent for $800 per show.
The 2025 concert lineup features an exciting mix of nationally touring acts, including:
- Tower of Power – June 21
- The Wallflowers – July 18
- Devon Allman’s Blues Summit – August 13
- Old Crow Medicine Show – August 30
- Young The Giant – September 27
- Eli Young Band – October 10
Music with a Mission
The Coves began hosting live music in the fall of 2020, using the front porch of a cabin as a makeshift stage to support children in need. Early performances featured artists such as The Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk, and Jerry Douglas. These intimate, socially distanced concerts inspired the creation of a state-of-the-art venue with breathtaking views of Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since then, The Coves Amphitheater has donated over $150,000 to its charity partners, with funds raised through ticket sales, skybox rentals, and generous tips donated by its all-volunteer staff.
How to Purchase a Charity Skybox
To reserve a charity skybox, visit www.covesatsml.com/skybox-reservation. For information about seasonal skybox rentals, email info@covesatsml.com.