St. Johns County's efforts to preserve its natural splendor got a significant boost on November 5, thanks to the generosity of a local cultural organization. SJC Cultural Events, Inc., known for producing the Sing Out Loud Festival, presented an $80,120 donation to the county's Land Acquisition Management Program (LAMP), earmarked for conserving the stunning landscapes that define the region. The donation took place during the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting, as reported by official communications from the St. Johns County.
In a letter of donation, organizers expressed that the funds, raised via Sing Out Loud Festival's ticket sales, embody the collective commitment of festivalgoers, musicians, and sponsors towards protecting St. Johns County's priceless ecosystems and natural areas. They stated on the St. Johns County website, "On behalf of SJC Cultural Events Inc. and Sing Out Loud Festival, it is our great honor to present a check in the amount of $80,120 to the St. Johns County Land Acquisition Management Program (LAMP) in support of your ongoing efforts to conserve and protect natural landscapes within St. Johns County." These words underscore a broader, community-driven effort to ensure the local environment is preserved for future enjoyment and ecological health.
The Sing Out Loud Festival, while celebrated for its musical offerings, has intentionally aligned its operations with environmental awareness and stewardship. This alignment is not incidental but a deeply ingrained aspect of the festival's identity, as it seeks to leverage the communal power of music to inspire action in defense of Florida's wild spaces. As they highlighted in their donation communication, "Sing Out Loud Festival is about more than just music. We are dedicated to harnessing the energy and connectivity of live music to bring awareness of the beauty and value of wild Florida and the critical need for its protection," as mentioned on St. Johns County website.
LAMP's board chair, Elizabeth Guthrie, enthusiastically acknowledged the contribution. "We are incredibly grateful for the donation to the Land Acquisition and Management Program made through the Sing Out Loud Live Wildly Showcase," she remarked on the St. Johns County website. Guthrie further emphasized, “This contribution of over $80,000 will bolster our efforts to protect and preserve the natural beauty of St. Johns County. Partnerships like these are essential to ensure our community’s land and resources are conserved for future generations. Thank you to SJC Cultural Events Inc. and Live Wildly Foundation for their commitment to conservation.”