Non-profit organization, Poverty is Real, based in Decatur, organizes fundraising concerts to aid organizations that work to fight poverty at a local level. Their first show, in June, presented a two-night concert series at Eddie’s Attic, raising $6,500 for Decatur Cooperative Ministry, a local group working to alleviate homelessness in the area.

Their mission is to identify cities throughout the nation and, at each location, join forces with an established organization already combating issues such as poverty, abuse, and homelessness at a local level. They then reach out to local musicians in each city to create a benefit concert series, and all funds raised at the show are infused directly back into the community through a donation to the partner organization.

Their next effort? Tonight they’ve got a fantastic lineup at the 40 Watt in Athens, partnering with an organization called Whatever It Takes, supporting their effort to fight poverty by promoting education in Athens. The benefit will feature some of Athens’ best talent including Futurebirds, Patterson Hood (guitarist and vocalist for Drive By Truckers), Claire Campbell (of Hope For Agoldensummer), Woodfangs, and My Cousin, The Emperor.

“One of the core principles of the Whatever It Takes initiative is collaboration with other organizations to maximize the effect we all have on our community,” said Ryan Lewis, Communications Director of Whatever It Takes. “Partnering with Poverty Is Real and the participating musicians and local businesses gives us an opportunity to showcase the creativity that makes Athens such a special town while providing people with an easy and fun way to help all children in Athens succeed in life.”