GRAHAMFESTUSA DONATES TO
MOUNT ROGERS COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
AND MENTAL RETARDATION SERVICES BOARD

Josiah Weaver, songwriter, musician, businessman, rancher and founder of GrahamFestUSA, presented a donation to Lisa Moore, Executive Director of Mount Rogers Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services Board at the agency’s annual retreat, held in Wytheville on October 23, 2007. GrahamFestUSA donated $1.00 from every ticket sold for the music festival held on September 3, 2007.The donation was earmarked for the creative healing work offered at Mount Rogers Community Services Board (CSB).

The GrahamFestUSA music festival is slated for an annual event on Labor Day Weekend on the grounds of the Graham Mansion in Wythe County.Mary Lin Brewer, GrahamFest Director, describes the music extravaganza as reflective of the founder himself.“The music of these mountains is at the very core of my life.  It is my wish to celebrate my deep Virginia roots and my love of music and life at the festival,” says Josiah.The Labor Day Festival, with six stages, showcased the unique and innovative array of music of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Brewer stated, “Creative healing is something that the GrahamFestUSA wants very much to support.”Mount Rogers CSB expands healing options by offering opportunities for pet and animal assisted activities, art, and music. It was some of the music activities that caught the attention of Brewer.

At a private GrahamFest concert this past summer, a group of musicians, who also received services from Mount Rogers CSB, were invited to perform.During the Labor Day concert, a large tent displayed photos of the many creative healing activities that had taken place throughout the year at the agency.

Josiah Weaver, not only recognized the work of Mount Rogers CSB with his generous donation, he also performed for over 300 staff that were in attendance at the annual retreat.

On behalf of Mount Rogers Community Services Board, Moore expressed her gratitude to Weaver for his support of creative healing and for his generosity.

Mount Rogers Community Services Board is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental, physical and substance use intervention needs.One of 40 Community Services Boards in Virginia, Mount Rogers CSB offers a comprehensive array of mental health, mental retardation and substance use services. It is a regional service to the citizens of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe Counties and the City of Galax.  Mount Rogers CSB is committed to respecting the rights of people to live in their home communities and to supporting opportunities for education, work, and social activities. Mount Rogers CSB’s administrative offices are located at 770 West Ridge Road, Wytheville, VA, 276-223-3200.

Source: Wytheville Enterprise