United for Relief Concert to Support FFTP’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery Efforts in Jamaica
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2025) – A powerful lineup of reggae legends and rising stars will come together December 13 and 14 for United for Relief, a two-day benefit concert at the Sarasota Fairgrounds to support Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) emergency response and long-term recovery efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
The event will unite music lovers, community partners, and supporters of Jamaica during a time of deep need, with proceeds going directly to Hurricane Melissa relief.
United for Relief’s lineup of performers will include Burning Spear, Fortunate Youth, Kabaka Pyramid, Third World, Luciano, Yellowman, Eric Swanson Band, Greg Roy & The Pressure Band, Jah Movement, NostalJah, Soul Purpose, The Black Honkeys, Stoney Banks, Flip Flop Republic, Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz and others. The concert also will feature local and international vendors, craft sellers, cultural activities, food trucks, and a family-friendly environment.
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine emphasized the importance of community support during this critical moment.
“United for Relief is more than a concert. It is an act of solidarity,” Raine said. “Every ticket, every donation, every voice raised in unity helps families in Jamaica take one step closer to recovery. We are deeply grateful to everyone lending their talent and their heart to this effort.”
Hurricane Melissa left widespread destruction across Jamaica, damaging homes, disrupting livelihoods, and displacing families. FFTP teams and partners are on the ground providing food, clean water, home-repair materials, hygiene kits, and logistical support. But needs remain urgent and significant.
United for Relief organizers say the idea for the concert was rooted in compassion and shared responsibility.
Allison Imre, Board Chair of United for Relief and Owner of Grapevine Communications, reflected on the heart behind the initiative.
“United for Relief grew out of a simple belief that when people are hurting, we show up,” Imre said. “The artists, volunteers, and partners who have stepped forward represent the very best of what community can be. We are grateful to Food For The Poor for walking alongside us to make sure this support reaches the families in Jamaica who need it most.”
Founder of United for Relief and Paragon Festivals, Bill Kinney, added that Sarasota’s own history with hurricanes makes this mission deeply personal.
“Here in Sarasota, we know what it means to rebuild after devastating storms, and that shared experience fuels our empathy for Jamaica,” Kinney said. “This festival is our way of turning compassion into action. Food For The Poor has been an extraordinary partner in ensuring that the help we raise goes exactly where it can make the greatest impact.”
How to Attend, Give, or Get Involved
General admission tickets start at $30. VIP options are also available. To purchase tickets or donate: Visit unitedforrelief.com and click “Get Tickets & Donate” at the top of the page.
Event Dates & Times: Saturday, Dec. 13: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, Fla.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
