Blank-Fest
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Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one or two weeks before Christmas, to collect blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, New York, United States, by Kenn Rowell, frontman for the New York City–based band, The Baghdaddios.
Origin
In 1996, Rowell collected blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City's homeless on Christmas Eve. From then on, he decided to make the drive an annual occurrence, but his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate, as Rowell had taken them all the previous year. He therefore decided to hold a benefit concert where attendees could contribute one blanket of any condition instead of a cover charge for admission to the show, which would then be delivered to the city's homeless by Rowell and volunteers on Christmas Eve. The first Blank-Fest was held at a club in Nyack called Mai Place, and collected 40 blankets. The next year saw 70 blankets donated at the same club, since renamed The Loft. After that local entrepreneur Chuck Debruyn convinced Rowell to move the show to Bruxelles, a bar-restaurant that he had recently bought into, as it had more room for parking, and a guaranteed walk-in crowd. The show has been held at Bruxelles ever since.[citation needed]
Growth
Since its inception, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 blankets for the homeless, with the number increasing every year except 2001. The event has steadily increased in exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily News and mentions in the New York Post.[1] Satellite shows have been formed in other states, cities and countries. Donations have increased to such an extent that volunteers have had to extend distribution of blankets over multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Excess donations are also distributed to homeless shelters.