As the economy enters the second year of a national recession, local groups are stepping forward to help some of Ventura County’s most vulnerable members. Ventura Council Member and former Mayor Carl Morehouse made contact with Kris Kristofferson, who has graciously agreed to return to perform for a second “Have a Heart for Farm Workers” benefit concert at The Majestic Ventura Theater to aid farm worker housing.
“Kris is someone who truly understands the plight of working people and the working poor,” says Morehouse. “He has a long history of sharing his talents to benefit those in need”. Kristofferson performed two years ago to raise funds for farm worker housing. The concert was highly successful, raising close to $100,000.
Mike McGuire, President and CEO of Affinity Bank, one of the event’s key sponsors, is grateful for Kristofferson’s generosity. “We live in a beautiful county, and one of our key economic drivers is agriculture. Farm workers are essential to successful agriculture, and their need for decent, affordable homes has never been greater. The concert proceeds will help to remedy their living situations by supporting the work of the Ag Futures Alliance’s House Farm Workers program and the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Farm Worker Housing Fund.”
Gail Weller Brown, chair person of the concert planning committee, also is grateful for the many people offering assistance with the event. “Limoneira is stepping forward again, Mark Hartley will hold a reception for sponsors at his beautiful WaterMark restaurant, and Tim Kilcoyne, of the Sidecar Restaurant, is organizing a “Food on Chestnut” venue which will feature locally grown delicacies. Before Kristofferson sings, concert goers will enjoy a silent auction in the lobby and watch a multi-media presentation created by children of farm workers.”
“Farm Workers struggle to house their families, and their children suffer the effects of growing up in unhealthy and overcrowded homes,” says Ellen Brokaw who has spearheaded the farm worker housing movement in Ventura County. “Proceeds from the silent auction will be used to provide educational support for some of these children. Stable affordable housing not only dramatically reduces the family’s financial stress, but allows the children to become more successful in school, have better health and ultimately become more productive members of our community. It’s a win-win for all of us.”
Mark Hartley sums it up by saying “What could be better? A beautiful night, great food, a wonderful atmosphere and Kris Kristofferson performing to benefit a beautiful cause for our County.”
The benefit concert committee is looking for sponsorship assistance, the purchasing of tickets and donations of items for the event’s silent auction. For sponsorship, please contact Ellen Brokaw at (805) 647- 2262. For tickets and information, please contact Sonja Flores at 805 921-0430 or fax (805) 525-7636.