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FEATURED GUESTS

DURAN STUDIO

CARLOS DURAN

The Durans are a big family. We have 4 generations of ranchers in my family in the surrounding areas of Prescott and all over Arizona. I moved away from Arizona in 1996 to raise my family in Minnesota. I moved back to Arizona in 2009 and opened the Angelica Gallery in Scottsdale. In 2017 I moved my operation to Prescott and re-branded as Duran Studio.   I've been operating in Prescott for the last 7 years in downtown Prescott at the Bashford Courts.

My spiritual testimony is woven into this story and what brought me back home.  I'm Now 49 years old, an Arizona artist who has devoted my work to ministry. My wife Salynda and I are both born-again Christians. We are delighted to bring LIVE painting to the main stage as part of Hope Fest Arizona 2024.

DESMOND DOSS FOUNDATION

The US Army Corporal medic Desmond T. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman for single-handedly saving the lives of more than 75 of his comrades while under heavy enemy fire during the brutal battle for a 400-foot-high ridge, the Maeda Escarpment (Hacksaw Ridge), on Okinawa in War World II. Guided by his faith, particularly the commandment ‘thou shalt not kill’, he never fired a gun. He was scorned by his peers. The Army repeatedly tried to kick him out, but he endured ridicule because he wanted to serve his country. Fellow soldiers who previously scoffed at Desmond’s simple faith and refusal to bear arms – now owed their lives to him.

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Desmond Doss, a Medal of Honor recipient whose life values and legacy are the focus of Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning movie Hacksaw Ridge and the documentary The Conscientious Objector (which includes interviews with Desmond, his family, and those who served with him).

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2024 will mark the 5th year for the Desmond Doss Foundation to participate in Hope Fest Arizona. During last year’s Hope Fest, the DDF Board members Gabe Videla and Jeffrey Cordone launched the World Premier of the EDUSODES Trailer to thousands of guests from the main stage. The introduction announced that the 1st Edusodes COURAGE was set for release on Veterans Day or November 11, 2023.

This year, Board Member Maj Gen Sparky Renforth will be representing the Foundation, Advisor Board Member & Filmmaker Robert Rothbard, and Jeffrey & Taryl Cordone, acting President.

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The new Edusode Trailer & Introduction to Edusode 1 “Courage” will be the focus for this year’s Hope Fest Arizona.

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It is the connections and interaction with the youth, educators and veterans through this event that are so fruitful for the Foundation. Desmond’s life values continue to be shared with the younger generation, making sure Desmond’s dream of inspiring young people to live a positive, character-driven life continues to be fulfilled.

Desmond Doss Foundation
Brendan McDonough
BRENDAN MCDONOUGH 

Brendan McDonough – Survivor, Hero to many, family man and co-owner of Holdfast Recovery.

At 4PM plan to welcome Brendan to the main stage at Hope Fest Arizona.

 

Life Forever Changed

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On June 30, 2013, while McDonough–“Donut” as he’d been dubbed by his crew–served as lookout, they confronted a freak, 3,000-degree inferno in nearby Yarnell, Arizona. The relentless firestorm ultimately trapped his hotshot brothers, tragically killing all 19 of them within minutes. Nationwide, it was the greatest loss of firefighter lives since the 9/11 attacks.

After the unfathomable loss of that day, McDonough suffered from seemingly insurmountable bouts of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and issues with alcohol. But the light of hope that inspired him to keep living in one of his darkest moments—his family who needed him—inspired the firefighter to fight on against depression, addiction and to inspire others to find their best selves, even if that means often looking beyond the self. Building a sense of brotherhood within communities gives McDonough great joy – because it helps this fighter honor the legacy of his 19 lost, but not forgotten, brothers. 

 

A Faith-Fueled Recovery 

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Brendan’s life was much like that of the people who walk through the doors of Holdfast Recovery today. It took hard work to get where he is, but his faith has made it possible to free him from the shame and guilt that was holding him prisoner. His relationship with Jesus and Christian-based treatment has helped him heal and help others do the same. With the support of his friends and family members and the Prescott community, Brendan McDonough now has created purpose from his pain by establishing Holdfast Recovery. Fellow first responders and men who are struggling with drugs and alcohol have a safe harbor to recover and free themselves from addiction, just as Brendan did.

For more of Brendan's story click here. 

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At Holdfast Recovery, their mission is to deliver high-quality treatment for addiction that emphasizes clinical excellence, physical wellness, and, most importantly, Christian values.

Granite Mountain

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The Firsthand Account of a Tragic Wildfire, Its Lone Survivor, and the Firefighters Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice.

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