6TH Annual Benefit Concert Uniting Individuals of Different Faiths to Help Disadvantaged Children
The 6th Annual Transforming Lives Concert bringing together different religious and musical groups to benefit at-risk children in Mount Vernon will be held on Saturday, November 17 at 7:00pm at St. James the Less Church in Scarsdale in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) and Westchester Reform Temple.
A joint effort of the Scarsdale Episcopal and Jewish communities, the concert raises funds to send children served by WJCS Amazing Afternoons after-school program to summer camp. Their five previous concerts raised some $215,000 allowing more than 300 disadvantaged children to attend Wagon Road Day Camp.
“WJCS Amazing Afternoons Program gives 125 at-risk elementary school children a safe place to learn and grow after school during the critical 3-6 PM timeframe when their parents or guardians are usually at work,” explains Dorothy Yewer, Co-Founder and Benefit Chair. “During the summer there is a void in these children’s lives and many desperately need a safe, productive environment that unfortunately their families cannot provide for them.
“Our first five concerts have been both exciting and inspiring. The community has been incredibly supportive of our efforts and the crucial need that exists so close to home. The children are empowered by participating in the Benefit and we are looking forward to growing our audience and helping even more children.”
The musical theme for the event is Celebrating Kings of the Old Testament/Torah. The Children’s Choir of the Edward Williams School along with children from Scarsdale will join voices in a song of inspiration with the orchestra. Internationally acclaimed Canadian violinist Marc Benzekri will be the guest artist performing Saint-Saens’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccio.
Orchestra musicians from the greater New York City area will donate their time and talent for this special performance which will include Mozart’s Overture from The Magic Flute, two world premieres for choir and orchestra by Maestro Justin Bischof, a spiritual for choirs and orchestra and Brahms’ legendary Symphony No. 4.
To purchase tickets, call 914.723.6100 ext 203. Tickets are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
