ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (October 27, 2010) — Today, a group of Phish fans mailed an unsolicited check for $1,000 to the Atlantic City High School to support its music education programs. The check is sent  in connection with Phish’s upcoming three-night run at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, and is part of a concerted effort by fans to support communities touched by Phish tours, to encourage support for music education, and to help generate that support in press surrounding Phish shows.

The grants come under the auspices of the Mockingbird Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organized by Phish fans in 1996. With this grant, the Foundation has distributed a total of $616,000 in 42 states. Additional funds will be raised at the Phamily Poker Classic, a sold-out charity tournament being held Saturday and Sunday at the Tropicana.

According to Mockingbird board member and tournament co-organizer Charlie Dirksen, “The recipient of these funds shares the Foundation’s commitment to music education.  The Foundation is pleased to support Atlantic City High School’s music department and hopes to inspire others to support it and the students at ACHS as well”

The Mockingbird Foundation is the leading provider of historical information about Phish and its music, both in print and online, having cultivated intellectual property through www.phish.net since 1994. The Foundation leverages that content, through partners and products, to fund music education for children. Operated entirely by volunteers, with no paid staff, salaries, or office, the Foundation is able to disburse more than 98% of the funds raised to important and innovative programs serving diverse populations. Due to high demand, the Foundation’s two-tiered application process remains one of the most competitive in the nation. Please consider making a donation through the Foundation’s website at http://www.mbird.org.

Phish is a rock band that started in 1983 and grew to become one of the highest-grossing live acts in the nation. Their fall tour ends this weekend with a three-night run in Atlantic City. For more information about Phish, please visit http://www.phish.com.

For Further Information:

Charlie Dirksen
[email protected]

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