July 29-31: Ashley Fest, Benefit for Ashley Ames

Ashleyfest will run from Thursday July 29 through Saturday July 31 and will feature over 20 bands performing at Class Act Interactive Education and Event Theater Company in Champaign.  Music will start early evening and go through the night.

Around the corner at Indi-go Artist Co-op, the art gallery will feature local artists as well as pieces from all over the world.  All art will be made available in exchange for donations to The Ashley Ames Scholarship Fund. There will also be video game collectors items, autographed MLB World Series memorabilia, Cartoon Network collectibles, and more available through an auction.

The gallery will be open all three days from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM.  All donations will be treated as gifts to the fund and are NOT tax deductible.

All information for this event as well as a flier can be found at www.supportashleyames.com

Ashley Ames, 23, lived and worked in Urbana, Illinois earning money to return to school. In the early morning of May 29, 2010, the house where she lived with her four roommates caught fire. Her roommates got out safely, but Ashley had to be airlifted to Springfield's Memorial Hospital, where they have a specialized burns unit. She was burned on 80% of her body. Ashley fought harder than anyone could ever imagine. On July 6th, we lost Ashley due to an infection and the injuries she sustained. Ashley may no longer be with us, but her memory, strength and inspiration will live on forever. This benefit is being organized and run by her loving family and friends.
 
The money raised will go to help cover funeral expenses and other financial burdens the family may have during this difficult time. Any money left over will go to the Ashley Ames Scholarship Fund so that other independent young adults like Ashley may be less burdened in their dream of attending college. We wish to invite everyone in the community to come and celebrate Ashley's life. All proceeds raised will go toward the trust.
As well, the organizers are still seeking more pieces for the gallery showing, all donations are appreciated. Any help with installation, matting, framing, and/or providing refreshments is greatly appreciated.

Email ssyman2@gmail.com or Brent Faklis at brent@supportashleyames.com for more information about how you can help.