Photo Credit: Peter Wallace
Phish performed a three-night live concert at Albany, NY’s MVP Arena this past weekend, raising over $4 million to support addiction recovery. 100% of net proceeds from ticket revenues, merch sales, and pay-per-view livestream will support the Divided Sky Foundation’s recovery program and new facility in Ludlow, Vermont.
The weekend run kicked off a $10 million fundraising campaign that will support capital improvements, future property acquisition, staff headcount increases, and a scholarship fund to ensure that Divided Sky’s program remains accessible to anyone in need—regardless of their ability to pay. Divided Sky Foundation was started by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio.
“It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are to Phish and their fans for their generosity,” adds Melanie Gulde, Program Director & Co-Founder of Divided Sky. “But this isn’t about words—it’s about action. And because of these concerts, we will be able to help many more people take charge of their lives and to recover from addictions.”
The Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program is unique among addiction recovery services in that its program focuses on helping guests build life skills and tools to maintain sobriety while staying active and connected with the outdoors and their personal passions. Nearly a dozen alumni who completed the 30-Day Program were in attendance at the Albany concerts, many representing at information tables. Over 300 tickets were given to professionals who work in recovery or a related mental health field.
Aside from performing on stage and donating all of the concert proceed, Phish and their fans supported Divided Sky in several ways. Drummer Jon Fishman wore a special version of his trademark stage dress adorned with Divided Sky logos, which was later signed by the entire band. It will be auctioned in the near future as an online fundraiser to benefit Divided Sky. Additional fundraising was generated at a pre-show reception organized by Phish’s long-standing non-profit arm, The Waterwheel Foundation.
Last year, Phish performed two benefit concerts in Saratoga Springs, NY on the Broadview Stage, raising over $3.5 million for flood recovery efforts in Vermont and upstate New York.
Conceived of and founded by Phish’s Trey Anastasio and program director Melanie Gulde, the Divided Sky Residential Recovery program gives hope to those struggling with addiction by providing a safe, nurturing environment to begin their recovery journey.