What is First Fridays at Five?

First Fridays is a not-for-profit organization that has touched many charitable organizations in the Roanoke Valley through monetary donations.  Since 1989, First Friday's has been able to donate over $1 million dollars, thanks to the support from our community and local area businesses.  This year alone, 18 charities in the Roanoke Valley will receive donations from our First Fridays events.  Please help us continue to make a difference in the Roanoke Valley. Your support is greatly appreciated!

History:

First Fridays at Five was established by Barry Simmerman and Richard Beard. 

2009
	First Friday's Creates a Presence On Facebook!
	Distributed $60,000 among 20 charities in the Roanoke Valley.
2008
	First Friday's continue to gain new sponsors with Fox 21/27 & CW5.
	First Friday's MySpace account launches. Facebook is in the works!
	Record attendance in May with 3007 patrons in attendance!
2007
	distributed $63,000 to 21 charities in the Roanoke Valley
	Attendance averages 1049 per event. New sponsors include Bella Magazine, The South Roanoke Circle and Just the Fax!
2006
	First Fridays updates our logo and launches a new website!
	Distributed $63,000 to 21 charities in the Roanoke Valley.
2005
	Event moved to new location (Downtown Rail Car Lot) due to ground breaking for the new Art Museum
2000—2004
	$84,000 distributed
1999
	$71,400 distributed
1998
	21 charities received $4000
1997
	21 charities received $3600
1994
	14 charities received $3600
1992
	Organizers move event from Century Square to First Union Plaza (larger space near the City Market)
1990
	First Friday’s incorporates and elects an 11-member board in January – Season expands from April through October.
1989
	First Friday’s Concept brought to fruition and the first event occurs on August 4, 1989.  850 partygoers were in attendance! In it’s first year, 4 charities received $1350.
Look at us GROW!  As we continue to grow, revenues continue to pick up allowing us to distribute more funding to charities! In fact, over 90 groups have shared more than a million dollars since First Friday’s inception!

2009 Board Members:

David A. Camper - President
Molly Lynn Henry - Immediate Past President & Co-Charities Coordinator
John Gardner - Event Marketing & Promotions
Robert Bennett - Co-Charities Coordinator
Kent Martin - Event Entertainment/Bands
Kathy Vanness - Treasurer & Finance Committee
Susan Zachorack - Finance Committee
Ronnie Cassell - Security & Logistics Support
Linda Harshbarger - Event Sponsors & Marketing Committee
Tim Boitnott - Tax Preparation & Finance Committee
Steve Wills - Legal
John Siebel - Operations & Equipment Storage
Victor Gravely - Community Relations & Marketing Committee
Bill Clark - Sustaining Board Member
Josh Mattox