HOPE FEST Arizona Has Become a Major Annual Downtown Celebration and is Scheduled for September 10 This Year
Prescott Woman magazine spoke with Jaye Lene Long, Executive Director, Co-Founder, and organizer of HOPE FEST Arizona, which is planned for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, September 10 at the Courthouse Plaza. Admission is free.
PWM: You are known for your work as a social media marketer, and with national and local nonprofits. How do you manage to pull off this major annual festival?
Jaye Lene: A drive for excellence, collaboration with a rock-solid team, and my passion for the event and sharing that true freedom is possible from all forms of brokenness, ignite and propel me. Above all, God called my husband David and me, and our team, to serve.
The festival returns yearly because the Prescott area wants it and because it’s now much bigger than any one person.
In 2017 and 2018, we dealt with the deaths of my youngest sons, twins, local boys, and active-duty U.S. Army Staff Sergeants Travis (who died February 24, 2017) and Brandon (who died August 26, 2018).
Our super-star team and supportive community did the event’s heavy lifting so the service outreach could occur.
PWM: What can we expect as HOPE FEST turns 10?
Jaye Lene: This year’s theme is “Love First!” God wired the universe so that when we “love on” (help) others, He simultaneously helps solve our problems. How different could the outcomes be in our lives and the world if we chose to love first?
Noon: Opening ceremony, commemorating the twenty-first anniversary of 9/11, and the return and decommission of the Fallen Military and the Fallen First Responder flags.
6 p.m.: Fostering Hope Award ceremony, recognizing a local nonprofit that exhibits an outstanding commitment to changing lives. Click here to make a nomination.
All day: The HOPE Serves Family Resource Fair, connecting veterans, active military, first responders, their families, and the vulnerable of Yavapai County to a variety of solutions (see a list of services at hopefest.az/vendors). Enjoy a car and motorcycle show, the Family FUN Zone, music artists and speakers, live speed painter/artist Vanessa, and more.
A top-rated Christian music artist will perform in the evening.
PWM: What is your favorite part of managing this event?
Jaye Lene: We tear down walls to connect people with services, help, God, and one another. Each of our volunteers is passionate about HOPE FEST. Many have served with us for years.
PWM: How can readers get involved with HOPE FEST?
Jaye Lene: People can invest in this grassroots 501(C)3 community service outreach through resources like talents, time, and energy, as well as financial gifts. People can volunteer, host a vendor booth, enter the car and motorcycle show, donate a raffle prize, sponsor, or donate.
Guests are encouraged to bring canned food donations, new cold-weather gear, and other winter provisions.
Learn more about HOPE FEST Arizona at HopeFestAZ.com or on Facebook at Hope Fest AZ or call 928.387.HOPE (4673).