A sold out Do Good Fest raises over $214k for Vermont Foodbank

Montpelier, VT - (July 22, 2025) This year's National Life Group Do Good Fest® welcomed a sold-out crowd to its Montpelier campus on Saturday, July 12, raising more than $214,400 to support the Vermont Foodbank in its mission to end childhood hunger.

With an estimated 2 in 5 Vermonters facing food insecurity, the need for support is urgent. Thanks to the Foodbank’s efficiency, every dollar raised translates into four times its value in food and resources—bringing the total impact of this year’s event to over $840,000 in community support.

Community Generosity on Full Display

In addition to financial contributions, attendees donated over 1,000 pounds of food and essential toiletries through an onsite donation drive—demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion.

Music, Mission, and Momentum

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, Do Good Fest featured a dynamic lineup of national and regional acts, including:

• The Fray (multi-platinum headliner)
• Plain White T’s (two-time Grammy nominees)
• Sammy Rae & The Friends
• Sixth Avenue Groove (Beats for Good contest winner)
• The Kwame Vibe (Burlington-based DJ)

Festivalgoers from 44 U.S. states and Canada enjoyed a full day of music, food, and philanthropy.

Food, Fun, and Local Flavor

The event also featured:

• 24 food trucks
• A beer garden with Lawson's Finest's exclusive Do Good Brew Hazy Orange IPA
• A sold-out VIP lounge
• A Nonprofit Village with 24 local organizations promoting community causes

A Mission-Driven Celebration

National Life Group Chairman, President, and CEO Mehran Assadi joined Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles on stage to present a ceremonial check for $210,083.

“At National Life, we believe in being part of the solution,” said Assadi. “We are deeply committed to ending childhood hunger and supporting youth mental health. Do Good Fest is one way we live our values and support our neighbors.”

The total included:

• Over $114,400 raised through ticket reservations (starting at $5 for General Admission and $200 for VIP) and a virtual “Stuff-a-Truck” online initiative
• A $100,000 matching gift from the Holly and Bob Miller Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Vermont Community Foundation

“The Vermont Foodbank team is deeply grateful to National Life Group and to every person who purchased a ticket, showed up with a food item, contributed online, and took the time to speak with us at Do Good Fest,” Sayles said. “Your generous support helps us continue the work to ensure that our neighbors in every Vermont community have enough nourishing food to eat.”

Since 2014, the National Life Group Do Good Fest® has raised over $2.2 million in support of its communities.

Broadcast & Livestream Reach

Do Good Fest was co-presented by Star 92.9 and WCAX Channel 3, with live coverage on radio and WCAX’s sister station WYCI. A full video replay of the livestream is available here.

WCAX also offered a special broadcast on Channel 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. featuring slices from each set and exclusive interviews with the bands. If you missed it, you can watch the special on YouTube here.

About National Life Group

National Life Group is a mission-driven, purpose-filled company that has been keeping its promises since 1848. Our cause is simple: To do good in our communities and with the families we serve. Through initiatives like Do Good Fest, LifeChanger of the Year, and Do Good Heroes, we support causes that matter—especially those focused on childhood hunger and youth mental health.

About Vermont Foodbank

The Vermont Foodbank is the state's largest hunger-relief organization, serving thousands of families each year through a network of food shelves, meal sites, schools, and community partners. Learn more at vermontfoodbank.org.

Learn more at Newsroom | National Life.

Contact: Daphne Larkin, corporate communications, National Life Group, 802.229.3607.

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, founded in Montpelier, Vt., in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, chartered in 1955, and their affiliates.  Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.  Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York.