News Summary
Dragon Con achieved record fundraising this year, amassing over $320,000 for NAMI Georgia, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. The convention, which attracted 75,000 attendees, featured various fundraising activities, including auctions and the Dragon Con Hustle. The funds will support NAMI Georgia’s mental health programs and initiatives. This year’s event saw an increase in attendance and will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about mental health, marking a commitment to philanthropy that has raised over $2 million for local charities since 2012.
Atlanta broke fundraising records at this year’s Dragon Con, raising over $320,000 to benefit NAMI Georgia, a prominent mental health advocacy organization. The five-day convention, which concluded on Labor Day, saw participation from more than 75,000 attendees who contributed to this remarkable effort through various activities and events designed to engage fans in charitable giving.
NAMI Georgia was selected as the official charity for this year’s event due in large part to the increasing significance of mental health awareness. In 2024, Georgia ranked 47th out of 50 states for access to mental health care, highlighting an urgent need for improvement. The funds raised during Dragon Con will directly support NAMI Georgia’s free mental health programs, support groups, and statewide initiatives aimed at closing the service gap in the region.
The fundraising activities were diverse and included the popular “Dragon Con Hustle, silent auctions, and public auctions featuring artworks donated by fans and attendees. Additionally, Dragon Con matched $150,000 in donations through its crowdfunding efforts, significantly amplifying the total contribution to the charity.
The convention drew a vibrant mixture of fans from various backgrounds, all eager to connect and contribute to a meaningful cause. One paradegoer highlighted the unparalleled atmosphere of camaraderie and enjoyment at Dragon Con as a place for connection, enjoyment, and relieving burdens. This sense of community was integral to the spirit of the year’s fundraising focus on mental health.
Previously, in 2022, the event raised over $210,000 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, showcasing Dragon Con’s long-standing commitment to supporting local charities. Since adopting a single official charity model in 2012, Dragon Con has raised over $2 million for various Atlanta-based organizations, illustrating both its growth and dedication to philanthropy.
In addition to the financial achievements, Dragon Con featured an annual blood drive known as the Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive, which is recognized as the largest convention-based blood drive in the country. Nearly 4,000 participants donated blood during the event, benefiting LifeSouth and numerous hospitals in Atlanta and the Southeast.
The overall attendance at Dragon Con increased significantly from last year, surging from 72,000 to 75,000, with fans traveling from all 50 states and six of the seven continents. This year’s guest lineup included notable celebrities such as William Shatner, Simon Pegg, John Boyega, and Christopher Lloyd, attracting fans from around the globe.
Looking ahead, Dragon Con is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, scheduled to take place from September 3-7. With its continued commitment to supporting charitable causes and creating a welcoming environment for fans, Dragon Con remains a vital staple in both Atlanta’s cultural landscape and the broader convention circuit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Atlanta News First: Dragon Con Raises More Than $320K
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Dragon Con Raises Nearly $500K
- Google Search: Dragon Con
- Atlanta News First: Record-Breaking $320K
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fundraising
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Dragon Con Draws 72,000 Fans
- Google Scholar: Dragon Con 2024
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
