What began as a casual gathering of friends in 2019 has grown into LitFest, an annual community event founded by Kelsey Sweet. As LitFest expanded each year, Sweet began selecting a different charitable organization to receive proceeds from the event. What started in her backyard eventually outgrew the space and moved to Larkin Square.

This year, Sweet chose WNY Compassion Connection as the event's beneficiary. WNY Compassion Connection is a non-clinical peer support grief center that serves as a regional community resource, funded through community support. The organization is a service of the nonprofit PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative and provides support to individuals experiencing any type of loss.

Sweet selected WNY Compassion Connection because its mission is deeply personal to her. One of her close friends, Sara Rogers, who lived with Sweet in 2019 and helped organize the very first LitFest, died in a tragic bicycle accident in June 2022.

Today, Sara's sister, Leah Rogers, works at WNY Compassion Connection. Sweet saw partnering with the organization as a meaningful way to honor Sara's memory while supporting those in Western New York who are navigating grief. This year's LitFest serves not only as a celebration of community, but also as a tribute to a cherished friend and a fundraiser for an organization dedicated to helping others heal.

Enter our Big Ticket Raffle!

Dalton Kincaid Signed Helmet

1 Entry: $5

5 Entries: $20

Raffle tickets can be purchased through this site— just navigate to the "Donate & Tickets" button, and select your desired raffle ticket amount! May be purchased alongside or separate from event tickets. Raffle winner will be randomly selected by 6/27.

BUREAU Custom Suit

1 Entry: $20

3 Entries: $50

Raffle tickets can be purchased through this site— just navigate to the "Donate & Tickets" button, and select your desired raffle ticket amount! May be purchased alongside or separate from event tickets. Raffle winner will be randomly selected by 6/27.

LitFest 2026

Benefitting WNY Compassion Connection