Insomniac Raised Over $119,000 for Charity at EDC Las Vegas 2016

It’s safe to say Insomniac once again proved its dedication and commitment to the Las Vegas community that calls EDC home. With more than 60 auction items up for grabs during this year’s EDC Week Charity Auction, fans from around the world were able to bid on amazing festival experiences and simultaneously raise a whopping $119,941 for a local charity.

The charity chosen for the 2016 auction, the Shade Tree of Las Vegas, is a nonprofit organization aiding women, children, and pets that have been affected by domestic abuse and crisis. The generosity of this year’s program has touched the hearts of our fans and the community alike.

“We got a little hint, but it’s even more than we imagined,” says Marlene Richter, Executive Director of the Shade Tree. “It’s been over the top—absolutely over the top.”

Specifically, the funds raised by Insomniac will help redesign the Shade Tree’s Children’s Activity Center (CAC), a space dedicated to providing a safe and constructive learning environment for children served at the shelter. With a focus on art and education, CAC delivers encouraging, creative activities and programs that help youth remain on a positive path throughout their time at the shelter. CAC recognizes the unique needs of children experiencing abuse and homelessness. The program focuses on boosting self-esteem, improving social skills, and countering the educational and developmental delays that result from such trauma.

“With the remodel of the CAC, we will be able to bring joy, art and creativity into the lives of the many children that call the shelter home,” Richter tells us. “Children have a chance to experience a childhood that is free of fear, pain and problems. Children learn to play, celebrate school grades, try out art concepts, get help with schoolwork, have clothes and supplies for school, plant a garden, and learn how to solve problems without violence or drugs.”

With 364 permanent beds and three different types of shelter available (day, transitional and emergency shelter), the facility is the largest of its kind in Nevada. The Shade Tree offers services to any homeless woman and her children, regardless of whether they possess ID, minimum state residency, or US citizenship.

Insomniac’s involvement with the organization has garnered support from not only the Headliner community, but from the DJ community as well. Krewella members Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf took a tour of the shelter during EDC Week and spent some time partaking in arts and crafts activities with the residents there.

In addition to the 2016 charity auction, Insomniac has also donated funds—$1 from each EDC Vegas ticket sold—to a variety of local foundations through the Charitable Giving Initiative. This year’s recipients included the Emergency Medicine Resident Research Fund, the Injured Police Officer’s Fund, and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.

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