Harvest of Hope Fest

Harvest of Hope Fest was an annual charity fundraiser and music festival that provided financial support for the Harvest of Hope Foundation which benefits migrant and seasonal farmworkers living in the U.S. The three-day event took place in March 2009 and 2010 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in St. Augustine, Florida. The Harvest of Hope Fest is currently the only festival of its kind that has such a large group of musicians donating their time and performances to charity.

The 2010 festival was held March 12–14. The 2009 and 2010 lineups are shown below.

The 2011 Harvest of Hope Fest has been canceled due to the lack of resources and time to put it together. However, the website states: "On the positive side, as a result of the 2009 and 2010 fests, the Foundation and other promoters have organized and continue to organize smaller musical benefits to raise needed funds for migrant farmworkers and their families. To all of you, our deep appreciation for sticking by the Harvest of Hope Foundation, attending our events, dedicating your musical craftmanship and talent, and staying true to those who harvest and produce our food."

The first Harvest of Hope festival was held March 6–8, 2009 in St. Augustine, Florida. The organizers hoped for about 12,000 attendees for the weekend. By the end of the festival, 17,000 people attended the festival. The Harvest of Hope founder, Phillip Kellerman, said that a goal of the foundation is to raise awareness to the huge economic, social and cultural contributions of migrant farmworkers and their families.

The second Harvest of Hope Fest was held March 12–14 in St. Augustine, FL. The second annual festival featured the spotlight artist Billy Bragg among other popular indie artists. The Harvest Of Hope Festival is always held in the Spring.

Located in Gainesville, Florida, The Harvest of Hope Foundation is a unique non-profit 501(c) 3 organization that has been providing migrant farmworkers and their families with emergency relief and financial assistance for over 15 years.

As of May 2010 the Harvest of Hope Foundation has distributed over $812,000 to migrant farmworkers, seasonal farmworkers and their families for severe or life treating situations. The Foundation's services include, but are not limited to emergency: healthcare assistance, housing and transportation assistance, educational grants and scholarships, monthly expenses, replacement clothing, and financial aid to migrant farmworkers and seasonal farmworkers throughout the United States.

The Harvest of Hope Foundation firmly believe that factors such as limited cultural capital, lack of political power, poverty, and frequent mobility operate as barriers that continuously prevent migrant farmworkers and seasonal farmworkers from obtaining legitimate legal rights, education, healthcare and social services. Therefore, it is the Harvest of Hope Foundation's intention to be a proactive voice and leader in providing emergency services to migrant farmworkers and their families.

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