Phish performed a very special three-night stand at Albany, NY’s MVP Arena this past weekend, raising over $4 million in support of the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program and its recently opened facility in Ludlow, VT. 100% of net proceeds from ticket revenues, merchandise sales, and a pay-per-view livestream all will support the Divided Sky Foundation, the non-profit addiction recovery organization started by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio.
The weekend run kicked off a $10M 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. Individuals can continue to donate to the foundation via dividedsky.org/donate.
“It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are to Phish and their fans for this generosity,” said Melanie Gulde, Program Director and 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.” Watch a video overview of the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program featuring testimonials from Anastasio, Gulde, guests, alumni, and staff.
Divided Sky’s 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. In addition, over 300 tickets were given to professionals who work in recovery or a related mental health field.
In addition to performing and donating all concert proceeds, Phish and their fans supported Divided Sky in numerous other 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. 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 at Saratoga Springs, NY’s Broadview Stage at SPAC, raising over $3.5M for flood recovery efforts in Vermont and Upstate New York.
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ABOUT THE DIVIDED SKY FOUNDATION:
The Divided Sky Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addiction recovery. Their mission is to provide educational and introspective programming to foster a sober and productive foundation for individuals affected by addiction. By offering a diverse collection of strategies and approaches to recovery – anchored in the 12 Steps, emotional sobriety, and mindfulness – the Divided Sky Foundation supports individuals to construct and utilize the tools necessary to thrive in long-term recovery.
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. Addiction is a widespread issue that adversely affects people across the country. The program’s non-clinical model is designed to motivate and inspire without judgment. We recognize that addiction is a disease and not an absence of willpower.
Housing approximately 40 guests, The Divided Sky Residential Recovery facility in Ludlow, VT is a newly remodeled former hotel with a stunning view of nearby Okemo Mountain. It’s a place of laughter, learning and optimism, providing a supportive, education-based program grounded in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and emphasizing mindfulness and emotional sobriety. Divided Sky is often the next step following a medical detox or relapse, or can be a primary option for anyone who is medically stable and ready to make a change. Divided Sky offers an alternative to corporate healthcare, in which treatment decisions are determined by what insurance will cover. Our only purpose is to foster a sober and productive foundation for individuals affected by addiction.
For more information, please visit DividedSky.org or call 802 735-7890 to speak with someone in the admissions department.
