Nashville, Tenn. — November 20, 2020 – H0PE-20, a Nashville based non-profit organization, has received a $1.5 million grant through the Tennessee Community CARES Program, one of the largest grants awarded in the State. Its mission is to help musicians and other entertainment professionals affected by COVID-19 in Nashville and the surrounding areas.
“A majority of those in the live entertainment sector of the music industry has been out of work since March of this year when COVID-19 shut down music venues and postponed tours,” shares HOPE-20 founder, Chad Petterson. “Musicians, in particular, are usually considered self-employed and are in a very difficult financial position right now. Through the grant, HOPE-20 is able to pay a portion of their housing and utility expenses, up to $5000 per recipient. We are also able to provide groceries, including fresh produce and career coaching opportunities, through our highly unique RESTART Program, taught by industry professionals. We are grateful to be a part of helping those in need who live in the entertainment industry in the greater Nashville area.”
Those who are already part of the HOPE-20 program include Grammy award-winning artists, Nashville Symphony members, touring musicians who support major global acts, those who perform on Lower Broadway and other local music and entertainment professionals.
HOPE-20 is partnering with several Nashville music venues such as The Bluebird, 3rd and Lindsley, Puckett’s and Exit/In to distribute much-needed groceries to qualifying applicants. HOPE-20 has also engaged OneGenAway, a Franklin, TN based non-profit, to help supply and distribute the groceries at these locations.
“It is such a blessing to partner with HOPE-20 and OneGenAway to help support artists in need. We have seen first hand the impact this has had on the music industry, and it takes a village to help each other,” remarked Puckett’s owner, Andy Marshall. “It is more important than ever to come together as a community to keep the music playing.?
OneGenAway Founder, Chris Whitney, says, “The mission to serve our neighbours in need is the heart of OneGenAway. We are grateful for the privilege to provide high-quality fresh food in partnership with HOPE-20 to our musician friends affected by the pandemic .”