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 $1.2 million, thanks to the support from our community and local area businesses.  This year alone, 21 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 Bear in 1989. the first event took place on August 4, 1989.  850 partygoers were in attendance and in it’s first year, 4 charities received $1350.

The next year it was clear First Fridays was a success.. In 1990, we incorporated, elected an 11-member board and expanded its season from April through October.

Originally located at Century Square First Fridays grew quickly moving to First Union Plaza (near the City Market), and in 2005 moved to the Downtown Rail Car Lot. This year we are continuing to grow, moving to the SunTrust Plaza situated on Franklin Road, between Anthem, SunTrust Bank and Norfolk Southern.

In 2006 First Fridays went digital launching a website and soon after could be found on MySpace and Facebook.

First Fridays Roanoke continues to grow each year gaining record attendances and donating over a million dollars to more and more charities in the Roanoke Valley.

We appreciate your support and encourage you to come join the fun.

Party with a purpose!

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 100 charities have shared more than a million dollars since First Friday’s inception!

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
Mike Flanary - Downtown Liaison
Bill Clark - Sustaining Board Member