Hormel Foods, a global branded food company, announced today that it will host an encore virtual live concert, featuring Chris Kroeze, runner-up on Season 15 of NBC’s Emmy-winning television show “The Voice,” with opening performances by Natalie Murphy, Nick Hoffman, Kat Perkins and Kennedi.
The concert will take place on the Hormel Foods YouTube channel this Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. CDT, and will feature live performances by award-winning global artists Chris Kroeze, Natalie Murphy and Nick Hoffman. The performers have toured the world, appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and shared the stage with music legends such as Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Travis Tritt, the Doobie Brothers and more.
Hoffman is also the host of the Outdoor Channel television series “Nick’s Wild Ride” and is also co-founder of his band, The Farm. Kat Perkins opened for Bon Jovi, and has worked with some of the music industry’s most well-known acts. She was a three chair turn on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice and charted in the top 5 on iTunes several times. Kennedi is a talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and has penned hits for some of today’s biggest musical acts including Ariana Grande and Jonas Brothers.
The company held the first virtual concert with the artists – intended to thank Hormel Foods team members for their continued efforts to provide food to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic – on Friday, April 3. During the event, Hormel Foods surprised viewers by announcing a donation of 200,000 meals to aid Feeding America and other hunger-relief organizations.
“Our last virtual concert surpassed our expectations, and we were thrilled with the overwhelming response from our nearly 20,000 team members who continue to work with passion and dedication to keep the food supply moving and to provide food to people during this crisis,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “This special encore concert is the latest way we can thank our team members and provide a memorable experience for them, their family and friends. I’m excited to have another opportunity for us to come together and enjoy the fantastic music the artists provide.”
The headlining Kroeze is no stranger to Hormel Foods. He grew up in Barron, Wisconsin, where the company has a Jennie-O Turkey Store production facility that employs his father.
“Some of my earliest memories are of my dad talking about working for Jennie-O and everything they do to help their neighbors. Jennie-O is the heart of our community here in Barron, as I know so many of these Hormel Foods locations are around the world,” Kroeze said. “During times like these, we really gain clarity on the importance of our food chain, and for all of those involved in making sure we have food on the table. I’m honored to be able to play a small part and try to bring some joy to those out there working hard to keep us all fed and grocery shelves stocked during these unprecedented times. I’m really looking forward to Friday, we have some special guests joining us, and its sure to be a fun evening!”
Hormel Foods is further honoring its production professionals by earmarking more than $4 million to be used as bonuses for plant team members. Hormel Foods has also increased its CARE Program employee assistance fund, extended paid sick leave and waived waiting periods and eligibility requirements for certain benefits.
Hormel Foods has likewise taken a leadership role in helping with hunger relief and food security. In addition to the 200,000 donated meals announced during the first virtual concert, Hormel Foods pledged $1 million in cash and product donations to assist nonprofits with their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s monetary and product donations are being made to local, national and global hunger-relief organizations. Feeding America, Convoy of Hope and Conscious Alliance are among those receiving immediate funding and donations.
Over the last five years, Hormel Foods has donated more than $50 million in cash and product. For more information about the company’s charitable giving and corporate responsibility efforts, please visit https://csr.hormelfoods.com/.