PROJECT: PROJECT, A HOPE FROM HARRISON SERIES
On November 1, 2010, Matt and Melissa Hudson were living in Texas and expecting their second lively child to come into the world. When Harrison Everett arrived, he didn’t make a sound.
Harrison was born with undefined genetic issues. The Hudsons traveled to two hospitals in Texas and then a third in Florida to find answers, but doctors could not find a diagnosis. After 45 days at home in Florida, Harrison died in Matt’s arms.
“We were lucky to have such a supportive community during this crazy time, and we wanted to do the same for others,” says Hudson, who has two other children.
The Hudsons founded Hope from Harrison to raise awareness resources and hope to families with children who have critical medical needs. It made sense for Matt and Melissa to then pick music as the medium for their fundraising events, and this inspired the Project: Project 2017 Concert Series, which hosts a new slew of local bands every month at JJ Muggs Stadium Grill in downtown Abacoa in Jupiter. June 17 will feature Deerfield Beach roots-bluegrass-folk band Uproot Hootenanny, and July 8 will feature Chaucer, local power-pop trio Grey & Orange and Lake Worth singer-songwriter John Ralston.
The Hudson family helps out several families each year, and this specific concert series is benefitting Bridgette Ludden and her daughter Stella. In the past, proceeds have gone to everything from nursing care to hardwood floor installation in a family’s house for a child who couldn’t have carpet due to his medical equipment dragging. “We fill in the gaps on things where insurance won’t help,” Hudson says. “We were so blessed when people helped us in those ways.”
Community seems to keep coming through for the Hudsons: Uproot Hootenanny and John Ralston have played for them many times, and JJ Muggs offered their restaurant space for the benefit for free. Friends and family helped the Hudsons get through their grief over and struggle with losing Harrison, and now they bring this love back to them through music. “That’s what the whole ‘Project: Project play on words is: We’re projecting that love and compassion back into the community,” Hudsons says.
The Hope from Harrison Project: Project 2017 Concert Series happens through August 12. Uproot Hootenanny will perform Saturday, June 17; and Chaucer, Grey & Orange and John Ralston will perform Saturday, July 8. Both shows start at 8pm at JJ Muggs Stadium Grill. 1203 Town Center Drive, Jupiter. Suggested donation of $10. hopefromharrison.org.
