A new nonprofit organization is starting to roll in Southern Humboldt. It’s mission is to bring together the magic of music, art, and community and support local artists and businesses. Help’s on the Way (HOTW), founded and led by Ilaria and Jason Ballard, is on a mission to enhance the cultural fabric of the region while reinvesting the proceeds into community initiatives, including arts programs for local youth and even the dream of eventually creating a community pool.
Jason Ballard explained that the couple is committed to making this work. He told us, “We’re putting our own money up to get the ball rolling.” They are trying hard to keep everything local, with an emphasis on benefiting local artists. HOTW envisions uniting the Southern Humboldt community through art and music while ensuring that every stakeholder sees a positive outcome. For instance, artists are putting their creations to a silent auction that is part of an upcoming concert but rather then donating the art, if their art piece sells at the auction, the artists will get paid for their art and, if it doesn’t, then the art returns to the artist.
Ilaria Ballard underscores the philanthropic aspect of their mission, saying, “We are trying to work hard for the community and with the community.” She has hopes the fundraisers they create will help kids. “We would like to work with the local schools,” She said. “We want to start a children’s symphony orchestra teach them to play Bach and Beethoven and teach them to play improvisational music.”
HOTW’s core strategy revolves around organizing events that draw both music and art enthusiasts to Southern Humboldt County. These events serve not only as cultural gatherings but also as fundraisers for the community. Jason Ballard adds, “We’re asking for collaborations with all the Southern Humboldt people that we can.” Eventually, he believes, events created by the non-profit could fill the hotels and bring “50,000 to 80,000 or more through our community.” But meanwhile, they are starting much smaller.
An intriguing aspect of their commitment to the arts is the creation of unique, hand-painted posters serving as the original for each event, showcasing their dedication to infusing art into every aspect of their work. (See top image.)
The inaugural event, set to take place tomorrow at Gyppo Ale Mill in Shelter Cove, is a Battle of the Bands. 
The winning band will earn the opportunity to headline the second event, the SoHum Harvest Ball, scheduled for October 14th at the Mateel Community Center. The Harvest Ball promises a memorable night of music featuring Melvin Seals and the Jerry Garcia Band.
Here’s a sampling of Melvin Seals and the Jerry Garcia Band
The Harvest Ball will be a family-friendly affair, with a free kids’ area from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm, complete with art and crafts activities. Kids 12 and under are free. Local artists will participate in a silent auction, with a portion of the proceeds directly benefiting the artists. Jason Ballard mentioned a friend’s embroidered artwork inspired by Jerry Garcia’s “Cats Down Under the Stars” album, will be one of the pieces offered in the silent auction. Live painting during the event will add to the creative atmosphere.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP tickets are available at $165, offering a four-course dinner by J Catering paired with Italian wines from VinoDivino. A kids’ menu at $16 ensures that families can enjoy a meal while their children partake in the kids’ area. There will also be a designated family section upstairs during the concert.
In the future, beyond individual events, the Ballards aspire to establish a sustainable cycle of funding for local arts and music programs.
As Help’s on the Way works towards being a cultural force in Southern Humboldt County, it hopes to create a hub for music, art, and community engagement that will benefit everyone.
