Since the start of local singing competition “478 Sings United” created by United Way of Central Georgia, Mercer University, Visit Macon, 100.9 The Creek and FOX24ABC16, local singers have helped raise over $30,000 to benefit the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The fund is helping people and organizations dealing with the effects of the pandemic. Last week, the Jazz Association of Macon (JAM) announced a relief fund for local musicians struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that announcement, JAM pledged to match individual donations up to $2,000 during the month of May. In support of this effort, the Central Georgia COVID-19 Fund has pledged up to $4,000 of the funds raised by 478 Sings United to help many of the local musicians experiencing uncertain times. The fund will also match the first $2,000 that is donated to the Musicians Relief Fund this month. In addition to the match, the fund will make a $2,000 contribution to the fund.

“It was a natural fit- helping artists who are helping others right now when many of them are struggling themselves,” said George McCanless, President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia. “Music is a place many of us turn to in times like these. Many of the 32 artists in our 478 Sings United competition are full-time musicians suffering from a loss of income due to event cancellations, restaurant/bar closures, and concert postponements. These grants are a way to say thank you for all they have done to contribute to our community’s musical heritage.”