The stars were shining brightly over Omaha – well, Council Bluffs, Iowa to be exact – on the night of Wednesday, May 15 for the Farmers Flood Relief Concert to Benefit Farm Aid. Together, Harrahs’ Council Bluffs Casino and KAT 103.7FM conceived, produced and promoted the concert event as a way to support family farmers and ranchers impacted by the devastating flooding in Iowa and Nebraska area this spring.
Photo: Mike Appleby
Thousands of fans from surrounding communities gathered at Stir Cove, part of the Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino complex, to watch Jimmy Weber and violinist Olga Smola to open the first show of the 2019 season. They were followed by Academy of Country Music-nominated and chart-topping artists LOCASH and Russell Dickerson. iHeartRadio personality and concert organizer Hoss Michaels was joined by Steve Lundy, Gina Melton and Erik “EJ” Johnson from KAT 103.7 as well as Ritch Cassidy from sister station 93.3 The Wolf to emcee the event.
Photo: Mike Appleby
Hoss worked closely with Melissa Hardersen of Caesars Entertainment to produce the show. “The Farmers Flood Relief Concert was a great success and we couldn’t be prouder of the community who came out to support Iowa and Nebraska farmers! It was such a pleasure to work with KAT 103 to produce a wonderful event with great energy, passion and talent from country artists LOCASH and Russell Dickerson,” said Melissa.
Photo: Mike Appleby
Jensen Tire & Auto generously sponsored the benefit through a $10,000 contribution and the Caesars Foundation also provided a $10,000 grant. Concertgoers added an incredible $40,000 through ticket and other purchases to bring the event total to $60,000!
Proceeds from the concert were donated to Farm Aid’s Family Farm Disaster Fund, which was established in 1993 to provide immediate and long-term assistance to family farmers impacted by natural disasters. One hundred percent of the funds raised during the Farmers Flood Relief Benefit will be allocated to support relief and recovery efforts specifically in Iowa and Nebraska. Since March 2019, when we activated the fund to respond to this disaster, more than $175,000 has been raised from thousands of generous donors around the country.
Photo: Mike Appleby
Through partner organizations like the Nebraska and Iowa Farmers Unions, Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska, the Center for Rural Affairs and others, Farm Aid’s Disaster Fund is providing immediate relief to farmers. In addition to emergency grants for daily living expenses, we’re helping with long-term support so that family farmers and ranchers can identify and understand their recovery options, including how to access and navigate state and federal assistance programs.
Photo: Andy and Tamara Photography
We want to thank the Omaha and Council Bluffs communities, as well as the artists, sponsors and all those who played a part in producing the Farmers Flood Relief Benefit Concert for coming out to support family farmers in Iowa and Nebraska who have been affected by this disaster. We are so inspired by your efforts – and all those who contribute in whatever way they can – to help one another!
SUPPORT THE FAMILY FARM DISASTER FUND
Climate change can affect farmers year-round and in the spring of 2019, Farm Aid activated our Family Farm Disaster Fund to assist farmers affected by the devastating flooding across the Midwest. Farm Aid works with family farmers, ranchers and farm organizations to provide emergency grants, help farmers understand and navigate their recovery options, and advocate for disaster assistance. Recovery from disasters like these takes months – if not years – and one hundred percent of every dollar donated to this fund goes to these efforts. Please make a gift today to assist struggling farmers and ranchers and, for an update on recent recovery efforts associated with the Midwest floods, click here.
