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Kris Kristofferson to perform in benefit Concert for Farm Worker Housing
Apr. 24
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.”
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