2nd Annual HOPE Festival

Utah State University in conjunction with the national Clothesline Project will host the second annual HOPE Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Sunburst Lounge of the Taggart Student Center.

 

The festival will generate funds to support CAPSA (Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency), Cache Valley’s rape crisis and domestic violence shelter.

 

The HOPE Festival (HOPE stands for Healing, Outreach, Passion and Effort) will feature a wide variety of local businesses and artisans who will sell their goods and services. Product offerings will include home décor items, art and pottery, handcrafted woods, clothing, photography, soaps and lotions, crafts, Scensty brand scents, products from Global Village and more.  

 

The HOPE Festival is a partnership between the USU Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information Office, USU Access and Diversity Center, USU Center for Women and Gender and the Cache County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse.  

 

Participating vendors will donate 25 percent their festival proceeds to CAPSA. This year’s festival will include one-hour parking validation to the first 100 purchases, refreshments, live music, silent auction items and additional donation opportunities such as a product donation drive for CAPSA.  

 

Due to last year’s response, the festival will extend its hours until 7 p.m.  

 

“Last year’s festival was wonderfully successful and was enjoyed by all who participated,” said Rachel Brighton, coordinator of the Access and Diversity Center‘s Multicultural Program. “I can’t think of a better way to ring in the holiday season — a season focused on giving — than by supporting local businesses and artisans in their efforts to give back to our community.” 

 

According to Brighton, the national economic climate and resulting decreases in federal funding, have dealt significant financial blows to CAPSA. Festival organizers see the HOPE Festival as a way to help alleviate CAPSA’s financial burden and ensure that its services remain intact for victims of abuse.

 

“The HOPE Festival not only creates awareness, it provides an opportunity for all of us to do something about a societal and community issue,” Brighton said. “Every dollar spent at the festival gives financial support to CAPSA, ensuring crucial services to members of our community who are fleeing violence. We encourage everyone to come shop for the holidays and give the gift of hope.”

 

The Clothesline Project began in 1990 to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and has been held at USU for more than ten years. The project allows female survivors of violence (as well as friends and family members) to decorate T-shirts and uniquely display their feelings through art.

 

“The USU Women’s Center has sponsored this project more than 10 years,” said Michelle Bogdan, director of USU’s Access and Diversity Center. “It is an effort to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault. In addition, it is an opportunity for survivors to express their experiences and feelings through a creative outlet.”

 

For more information regarding the HOPE Festival, including vendors, sponsors, donation opportunities and event parking, visit the festival website, or contact Brighton at rachel.brighton@usu.edu.