Enjoying music while housing the homeless
Some people feel the need to make a difference or to resolve world hunger. The Provo Food and Care Coalition is helping to make a dent in both.
The Coalition is hosting their first ever “Battle of the Bands.” The event is a fundraiser aimed at creating housing for the homeless in Utah County.
Heather Hogue, the event coordinator for the “Battle of the Bands,” has worked at the Food and Care Coalition for the past three years. Hogue wanted to make a difference in her community, and she began by volunteering at the Food and Care Coalition while her friend worked there. “I liked the idea of helping in the community. I decided to just jump right into it. One of the most basic needs you can meet is to feed someone. It was very gratifying.”
The Food and Care Coalition has been functioning as a soup kitchen of sorts in Provo, providing food to the homeless. But now they want to broaden their horizons. “We are trying to get housing units for the homeless people of Utah Valley. We want to open the second floor of our office building to develop 36 units. We want to get people off the streets.” Hogue discussed how the “Battle of the Bands” fundraiser is a first time endeavor to involve the youth. “We absolutely want to reach out to the younger audiences. This is a first attempt to directly involve students in our efforts.”
As a musician, Hogue, who also plays in a band, sifted through over 30 demos and Youtube videos of bands before picking the final six that will compete in this Battle of the Bands. The proceeds of Battle of the Bands will go towards the Food and Care Coalition housing project. All the food at the event will also be donated by local companies like J-Dawgs, Lucky’s Woodfire Pizza, and Century Link.
The winning band at the event will receive a press kit, valued at over $1,000, also donated by local companies. Hogue is optimistic about the turnout. “We are hoping for around 1,000 people to attend. We want to make this an annual event in Utah county.”
Food and Care Coalition Battle of the Bands: Monday, Sept. 19, 6:30-9:00 p.m. 299 E. 900 South, Provo