Arlington Tomorrow Foundation to Host Luke Wade Concert, Distribute $30,000 in Grants

By Susan Schrock

Posted on September 16, 2016, September 16, 2016

As part of North Texas Giving Day next week, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation will host a free community concert featuring Texas native Luke Wade and will also award $30,000 in grants to Arlington nonprofit organizations throughout the day.

North Texas Giving Day, set for Thursday, Sept. 22, is an annual 18-hour online giving event, coordinated by the Communities Foundation of Texas, that is designed to encourage residents to make a contribution to the nonprofit organization of their choice. All contributions made between 6 a.m. and midnight that day are matched in part by the Communities Foundation.

Since its creation in 2007, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has awarded nearly $18 million to Arlington nonprofit organizations, City of Arlington departments and neighborhood groups for projects that help the public.

This will be the foundation's third year to host its Arlington Gives event, which is designed to help North Texas Giving Day contributors' dollars go even further. The charitable endowment will award $5,000 bonus grants to four Arlington nonprofits that raise the most money on Sept. 22 between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight.

'It's an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our charitable organizations and make Arlington a better place for all of us to call home,' said Carolyn Mentesana, Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Executive Director.

This year's event also features a free community concert at the Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram Street. The Voice Season 7 finalist Luke Wade is expected to take the stage at 8 p.m.

During the concert, Arlington-based charities will be in the running to win a $10,000 grant from the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation. Concert goers will be invited to cast their ballot for the 'People's Choice Award' and the Arlington charity with the most votes between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. will win the Jones Foundation bonus grant.

Additionally, two Arlington charities with representatives at the concert will be randomly selected to each receive a $5,000 bonus grant.

During the Arlington Gives event, at least 50 Arlington nonprofit organizations are expected to set up booths along Abram Street between City Hall and the Levitt Pavilion to provide residents with more information about their mission.

Attendees are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the program and concert. Visitors can also bring their own food and drinks or purchase dinner from a variety of food trucks that will be available.

Arlington Gives!

Arlington Gives! Concert and Donation Station at Levitt Pavilion

6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, September 22

100 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010