Hello, I am John "Woody, or the bug man" Woodard Jr. I'd like to share my story with you.

We are the proud parents of three incredible, adopted children, each with special needs and autism, whom we cherish deeply. Our story, much like the rich tapestry of human experiences, is layered and intricate. This narrative reveals the origins of the Woodystock Blues and Brews Festival. Thirteen years ago, a simple desert gathering with friends for beers and a jam session blossomed into the legendary festival known as Woodystock. Its growth still amazes me, a testament to life's beautiful unpredictability.

I am John Woodard Jr., but you can call me Woody. Next to me in the photo above is my beautiful wife, Kathrine, or Katy as everyone affectionately calls her.
I am a proud veteran and devoted family man; my wife and I adopted our daughter 18 years ago and our two boys 12 years ago. Watching their growth and through a chance moment and turning point in our lives which sparked their discovery of the arts and music. It also inspired the creation of our nonprofit. It warms my heart that our eldest daughter, now 19, dreams of becoming a fashion designer, showcasing the incredible potential within each of our children.

Parenthood, especially with children who have special needs, has been both a challenge and a blessing. We've dedicated our lives to providing them with love, care, and support, which has molded me into a person of resilience, love, and dedication. My passion for my family, community, the arts, and music had turned a night to just get together with a bunch of friends and neighbors and have a few bands play out in the desert, has become this festival and inspired the formation of, "A Hand Up Foundation".

Having served in the armed forces taught me a great deal. Now retired I became motivated by a desire to serve my country at home, I turned to address pressing issues like encouraging families to adopt and become foster parents. Imagine the world through the eyes of a special needs child in foster care—so many are often overlooked and not chosen for adoption. There’s a growing need to support families in general and combat the growing problems such as, hunger, natural disasters that devastate communities, homelessness, and unemployment. But there aren't enough resources to meet so many needs. These many problems facing this nation has given me a new mission and has become my heart’s fervent battle to be a part of the solution teaching my children strong values. So, now armed with music and supported by incredible, friends, neighbors and allies who share a dedication in helping those in need of "A Hand Up."

This journey has been a collective effort. Together, my wife, local friends, and neighbors have worked tirelessly, transforming our labor, and that chance night, into something truly extraordinary. Witnessing the growth of our efforts has been nothing short of incredible as we continue to expand our reach and impact.

Now, I will let my wife share her story