First Ever Charity Fan Poll Nets Over 39,000 Votes In Two Weeks

ATLANTA – May 3, 2013 – Dragon*Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy and sci-fi convention, has selected Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Georgia Conservancy, and Marcus Autism Center as its official charities for 2013.

For the first time, Dragon*Con asked its fans to help select three official charities in a poll that was promoted on Facebook and other social media channels. Between April 15th and April 28th, more than 39,000 votes were cast for one of five pre-selected organizations, with the top three vote-getters named as official charities.

With 66 percent of the vote, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, which shelters injured, abused, or unwanted exotic animals, was the overwhelming favorite of voters. The organization will receive 50 percent of the money raised throughout the four-day convention including a matching contribution from Dragon*Con of up to $50,000.

Georgia Conservancy, which placed second in the poll, will receive 30 percent of the funds raised and Marcus Autism Center, in third place, will receive 20 percent.

“We are incredibly impressed by each of these three organizations and the valuable work they do in Atlanta and across Georgia. We are delighted to be affiliated with each of them,” Dragon*Con Chairman Pat Henry said. “Nothing would make me happier than to raise more than $100,000 – a Dragon*Con record – to support these three organizations.”

Since 2005, Dragon*Con has raised almost $224,000 for its official charities, which change each year. This is the first year that Dragon*Con has committed to match funds raised during the convention.

In addition to its official charity fundraising that takes place during the annual convention, Dragon*Con has donated $265,000 to The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and other organizations. Staff members regularly volunteer for the Walk to End Lupus Now and other community walks and fundraisers. The Dragon*Con Blood Drive regularly sets records for convention-based collection efforts.

About Dragon*Con
Dragon*Con is the largest pop culture convention featuring comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming. Held each Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Dragon*Con attracted more than 52,000 attendees in 2012. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org.

For more information on Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.noahs-ark.org.
For more information on the Georgia Conservancy, please visit www.georgiaconservancy.org.
For more information on the Marcus Autism Center, please visit www.marcus.org.