startGNV announces Tech Battle of the Bands to end homelessness

Press release from startGNV

Gainesville, Fla. — startGNV, a local nonprofit supporting the innovation ecosystem of Greater Gainesville, has partnered with previous organizers to bring back the Tech Battle of the Bands — a charity concert showcasing tech employees and their musical talent. This year’s event will take place on Friday, September 23, at The Wooly to benefit GRACE Marketplace, a local nonprofit whose mission is to end homelessness in Alachua County.

“There is so much hidden musical talent within the tech community,” said startGNV director Tammy Dygert. “The tech companies also have big hearts for community engagement. So it made sense for startGNV to partner with those companies and past organizers to bring back this popular event.”

Bands from Infotech, Feathr, IC2, and Remote Control, a newly-formed band of remote employees, will take the stage in an epic battle for a good cause. The band that raises the most money for the cause will be declared the winner.

This annual event, which originated in 2014, aims to raise awareness within the tech community about its impact on homelessness and affordable housing. “It’s a way for tech companies to give back and offset the common negative side effects created by tech hubs like gentrifying neighborhoods and the rise in the cost of living,” said Julie Matheney, marketing director at Tangram Vision.

“Whether you think homelessness is a social justice issue, an issue of men’s violence against women, an issue of the economy, or if you think people should be doing something different with their lives, none of us want to see anybody on the street and GRACE is a solution to that,” said Jon DeCarmine, executive director at GRACE.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit the event site at https://bit.ly/3cX9JGR. To help your favorite band win the battle, be sure to select them when making your donation or a ticket purchase.