'I feel compelled to do something': Local musician takes Eastern Kentucky floods to heart

Cincinnati-based musician and Paintsville, Kentucky, native Steve Saunders is hosting an Eastern Kentucky flood relief fundraiser from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27.

The Hope for the Hills fundraiser, which takes place at Knox Joseph Distillery at OTR StillHouse, is an independent, volunteer-driven music, arts and food event that aims to raise money for Eastern Kentucky flood victims.

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“As a native of Eastern Kentucky, I feel compelled to do something and have heard from many musicians and artists who want to join with me,” Saunders said.

Proceeds from the event go toward Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, a non-profit organization that has created individual emergency relief grants and small business loans. They will also go to CANE Kitchen, a commercial kitchen inside the former Whitesburg, Kentucky high school that feeds hundreds of people daily.

Tickets are $100 for adults and $20 for students and minors with adults.

The price of admission includes food prepared by LaSoupe, an award-winning food rescue kitchen, and two tickets for OTR StillHouse wine or beer.

The fundraiser will include live music performances from Cleveland-based indie band Light We Loom, folk and bluegrass musician Dan VanVechten and Saunders.

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The fundraiser will also feature artwork from Trace Deaton, a photographer and visual artist from Northern Kentucky with roots in Eastern Kentucky, Malcolm J. Wilson, a photographer from Blackey, Kentucky, and Felix Eboigbe, a world-renowned Smithsonian Institution exhibitor.

The event's goal is to raise $20,000, or sell 200-250 tickets, inspire the community and educate attendees on how they can offer more support to flood victims.