Neenah‑area filmmaker Phil Johnston, a native of the Fox Cities, has turned his idea for a community‑wide benefit concert into Rally for the Valley, a one‑day festival aimed at helping families still rebuilding after the devastating tornado that struck the region last year.
Event details and schedule
The rally will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the downtown Menasha Riverfront Plaza. Attendees can enjoy a lineup of live music, comedy sets, storytelling sessions, and displays by local artists and makers. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site, offering a variety of options for families and visitors.
Direct support for recovery nonprofits
Rally for the Valley is designed to channel donations straight to three nonprofit organizations that are addressing distinct recovery needs:
- LEAVEN – provides emergency shelter, counseling and case management for displaced residents.
- Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity – builds and repairs affordable homes for families whose houses were damaged or destroyed.
- Pillars – focuses on long‑term community resilience, offering job‑training programs and financial assistance.
Each organization will have a booth where volunteers can learn how to contribute, sign up for volunteer shifts, or make on‑site donations.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in volunteering, selling goods, or sharing a personal story at the rally can sign up through the official website, rallyforthevalleywi.com. The site also hosts a vendor application portal and a portal for submitting stories that highlight the community’s recovery journey.
Local officials have voiced strong support for the event. Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond said, “Our city is grateful for initiatives like Rally for the Valley that bring neighbors together, celebrate our resilience, and provide much‑needed resources to families still healing from the storm.”
Community response
Early response from residents has been enthusiastic. Neenah resident Adrienne Palm, who is helping organize the festival, noted, “We’ve seen a real outpouring of generosity since the tornado. This rally gives people a concrete way to help their neighbors while enjoying a fun day out.”
The event also underscores the broader effort across the Fox Cities to rebuild infrastructure, restore schools and support local businesses that were impacted by the tornado. By linking donors directly with the nonprofits on the ground, organizers hope to streamline aid and ensure that contributions have an immediate, measurable impact.
Looking ahead
Rally for the Valley is positioned as an annual gathering, with organizers hoping to expand the festival’s scope in future years. For now, the focus remains on delivering immediate relief and fostering a sense of unity among the Fox Cities’ residents.
For more information, including a full schedule of performers and a list of participating nonprofits, visit the rally’s website or follow the event’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: WHBY (Appleton) — read the source article.
