Hug Your Farmer Benefit Concert Supports Vermont Farmers for Second Consecutive Year

On November 22, 2024, the Hug Your Farmer benefit concert once again lit up The Flynn with the unmistakable spirit of Vermont—community, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our neighbors. For the second consecutive year, this extraordinary event raised over $200,000 for Vermont farmers, with all proceeds going to the Vermont Community Foundation’s Flood Response and Recovery Fund.

This year’s show was about more than just fundraising—it was a celebration of what makes Vermont extraordinary. Rich Price (of The Sweet Remains) served as producer and emcee, as he has in all eight Hug Your Farmer benefits since its inception in 2010 and Bob Wagner, the evening’s music director, led Grace Potter, Ryan Miller, Mike Gordon (of Phish) and an all-star lineup of Vermont musicians in a night of unforgettable performances.

Senator Bernie Sanders opened the night, offering words of encouragement and support for Vermont’s farmers, who’ve endured much over the past several years. He reminded the audience, “If there was ever a time in American history when we have all got to stand together, this is that time. Let’s do it.”

Price shared the history of Hug Your Farmer, which Select Design established in 2010 to raise money for Pete’s Greens after its barn was destroyed by a fire. Select Design continued its legacy of generosity by underwriting this year’s event, reaffirming its commitment to Vermont’s recovery.

VCF President and CEO Dan Smith took the stage to explain why we were all gathered. “Last year, I stood on this stage and said, ‘If you take one thing away from tonight, it’s that Vermonters look out for one another,’” Dan told the audience. “One year and three devastating floods later, you’ve proven that true.”

The July 2024 storms devastated Vermont’s farming community, with 93 farms sustaining over $5 million in damage across 3,500 acres of farmland. For farmers like Olivia and Zach Mangione of Cross Farm in Barnet, the storms wiped out years of hard work in an instant. But that night, those farmers were not alone.’

Every note played, every dollar donated, and every moment of connection in that room was a message to Vermont’s farmers.

The evening’s impact didn’t stop with the audience’s generosity. An anonymous Vermont Community Foundation donor made the night even more meaningful by pledging to match every dollar raised up to $100,000, doubling the power of every donation to help Vermont’s farmers rebuild. The match was unlocked in full, and VCF donors and fundholders contributed over $150,000 to the event.

As Dan said, “This band is back together because giving is part and parcel of what makes our community strong. When we give, we reconnect with each other and with this place we call home.”

None of this would have been possible without our amazing partners: Hug Your Farmer’s creators, Select Design for covering the cost of the show so that all proceeds would go to Vermont farmers; The Flynn for opening its doors and lending its storied stage to an evening that won’t soon be forgotten; and Rich Price and Bob Wagner for pouring their heart and soul into pulling together this night of music.

As funds continue to flow into the Foundation even after the curtain has closed, the VCF is implementing a two-phase grant process to ensure the dollars are distributed as quickly and effectively as possible.

The first phase of grantees includes:

• $30,000 to the Intervale Farmer Recovery Fund providing direct support to the Intervale farmers to help them recover from flood losses for a second year.
• $30,000 to NOFA-VT’s Vermont Farmer Emergency Fund, providing farmers with the needed cash flow in times of emergency to help them recover and ultimately become more resilient farmers.
• $30,000 to Center for an Agricultural Economy’s Vermont Farm Fund. The Farm Fund is a vital resource for local agriculture and a community of farmers lending money to farmers when it is most needed, in a timely manner, and without a lot of red tape.
• $30,000 to Food Connects supporting the Food Hub Warehouse Expansion Project. The Food Hub develops new markets for growers and food producers, increasing wholesale access for locally and regionally produced food.
• $50,000 to Farm First supporting farmer programs and stipends. Farm First is a free, Vermont-based program providing farmers and their families with support, resources, and information to reduce stress.

Together, we’ve raised over $14M for flood recovery. Thank you to everyone who joined us, donated, or supported this effort.

And to our farmers: We see you. We care about you. We’re with you. Always.

The Hug Your Farmer Benefit Concert is a testament to what we can achieve together—but the work doesn’t stop here.

Discover how your generosity can support Vermont’s communities in building a stronger, more resilient future.