Dragon Con, Atlanta’s renowned pop culture and sci-fi convention, just concluded with 72,000 attendees gathering from across the U.S. and around the world. While the event is known for its celebration of fantasy, gaming, and pop culture, it also continuously makes a significant impact through charitable giving.
This year, Dragon Con raised over $210,000 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, its official charity for 2024. The Foundation, which is marking 75 years of fighting arthritis, works to support the nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children affected by this leading cause of disability in the U.S. Over the past decade, Dragon Con has raised more than $1.3 million for various charities through its annual fundraising efforts.
In addition to monetary donations, nearly 4,000 attendees participated in the convention’s Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive. These donations will benefit over 25 hospitals in Atlanta and 100 across the Southeast, helping to save countless lives.
As one of the city’s largest annual events, Dragon Con also boosts the local economy, contributing an estimated $80 million. Organizers have already announced next year’s dates, with the convention set to return from August 28 to September 1, 2025.