By TR Robertson
Vista’s Operation Hope – North County is the latest recipient of a beautiful guitar as part of country western singer/songwriter Steven Cade’s Giving Guitars Tour. Cade has donated around 200 guitars to 117 shelters across the United States since he began the program in October of 2021. Cade was born in Texas and lived much of his life in California but now resides with his wife and 2 children in Nashville, Tennessee. He is an award-winning country singer, winning Best Modern Country Artist with the Grand Ole Opry Josie Music Awards and has been considered for 10 Grammy nominations. His Christmas song, “Still Find Christmas”, was selected as Best Country Christmas Pop Song by the Holiday Music & Film Awards. He is also a four-time San Diego Music Award winner, took first place in the country category at the Durango Songwriters Expo and is a member of the California Music Hall of Fame.
When asked why he started the Giving Guitars Tour he said his
“mission is to make a positive impact using music and work towards breaking the cycle of poverty in our country one note at a time”.
He said he also wants to “bring hope and inspiration through the power of music”. Cade put on a short concert at Vista’s Operation Hope, playing three of his songs. After an introduction to those in attendance by Operation Hope Board President Beatrice Palmer, Cade sang a song he said is up for the Social Impact Song of the Year in Nashville, “Love Louder”. He also used the guitar that he would be donating to Operation Hope. Cade told the audience that he knows the position many of them have been in as it wasn’t too long ago that he and his family were wondering where their next meal was going to come from or how they were going to pay the rent. He said his faith and the strength of his family got them through the tough times. Cade also said music has been therapeutic for him and he has been blessed by all of the stories he has heard at the shelters about how people are turning their lives around. He also explained, to the individuals in the audience that are living at Operation Hope, that they would be able to check the guitar out from their office and go online to his You Tube video, “Steven Cade Teaches Guitar”, to learn the basics of playing the guitar. He next sang “Big Picture Thinker”.
Cade then brought up Beatrice Palmer and Director of Resource Development at Operation Hope, Adri Furtado, for the presentation of the guitar and to have them sign a special guitar, one he takes to all of the shelters he visits, for signatures. Also in attendance was new Operation Hope Director Esperanza Zapico. Adri reminded everyone that their “Story doesn’t end with Hope, It starts with Hope!” Cade then finished the short performance by singing a part of a song he has not yet recorded, “Country Thing to Do”. A chance to speak with Cade and his family, take pictures and get some signed photos finished off the performance before they headed out for a performance at Camp Store in Carlsbad. Go to www.stevencade.com for more information.
This year alone, Operation Hope has assisted 169 adult individuals and 107 children. Their Mission Statement is to “offer a safe, caring, and supportive environment to families with children and single women experiencing homelessness as they rebuild their lives and reclaim independence”. They offer family rooms and single women’s shared rooms. Operation Hope – North County won the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year at the Heroes of Vista Awards luncheon. The organization is always looking for donations, sponsors and volunteers. If you are interested in assisting in any way, go to www.operationhopeshelter.org or call 760-536-3880. Operation Hope is located at 859 E. Vista Way in Vista.
