The Net Resource Foundation will host the first-ever music festival at the Southside Community Park on Saturday, June 25, from 4-8 p.m. The family-friendly concert is free and open to the public and features retail and food vendors.
The music festival will feature a DJ, a live band and a performance by the Soul Aerobics Steppers. All proceeds from the festival will help fund the Net Resource Foundation’s Leadership for Life program. The six-week summer program provides students, grades 6-10, career preparation, life skills and work-based learning.
Executive Director Raquetta Dotley says the program is like a job. “They must create a portfolio, which includes a resume, mock job application and their bio. The students have to show up on time Monday through Thursday, June 6-14, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., or they could be fired,” said Ms. Dotley.
At the end of the course, the students must make a three-minute presentation to a panel of judges. The top three students chosen by the judges will earn an additional bonus with their final stipend.
The panel includes a variety of community leaders and the director of human resources for Cempa Community Care, Akil Lloyd. "This allows me to uplift and pass advice on to the next generation. I feel it would be very valuable for students to participate in a program like this because it equips participants with a necessary toolkit that many people don’t learn until later. As these students mature, their skills acquired from this program will continue to enhance."
A few sponsors have already committed to the festival, including EPB, Unum, TVFCU, and South Chattanooga Community Association. Interested sponsors or vendors can apply by emailing thenetresourcefoundation@gmail.com.
There are three levels of sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,500. Sponsorships include logos on marketing materials, free meal tickets and gift bags. Food vendors can purchase a booth for $100 and regular vendors can purchase one for $50.
The festival will be at the Southside Community Park, at 3501 Central Ave.