(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Girlchoir will host its 15th annual Children Making a Difference benefit concert at Princeton’s beautiful Nassau Presbyterian Church on November 19 at 7:00pm. This year, these young musicians have chosen to give the proceeds of their concert to support children affected by the war in Ukraine through a donation to the Ukrainian Federation of America (UFA).
According to the United Nations, over five million children need humanitarian assistance because of the war in Ukraine, with “consequences for children at a scale and speed not seen since World War II.” Two-thirds of Ukrainian children have been displaced, and approximately 8,000 have been found separated from their parents.
The Children Making a Difference benefit concert empowers singers to make a difference by using their time and talents to help others. Each year, the benefit concert raises money for a charitable organization in our community and educates audiences about the services the nonprofit provides. Over the past 15 years, the event has raised nearly $40,000 in support of causes like Trenton Food Pantry, RWJ Children's Cancer Unit, Make a Wish New Jersey, and Homefront. Donations will be accepted at the door in lieu of tickets. This special concert will be led by PGC Associate Director Tom Shelton and Artistic Director Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins.
The girls of PGC range in age from 8 to 18. Selected by audition, they come from numerous schools in central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. They attend weekly rehearsals where they find their voices, build confidence, and build a life-long love of singing together.
UFA is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that has aided Ukrainians for 30 years in Ukraine and the US. Funds raised at the concert will help provide medical care, supplies, and crisis response for children affected by the war in Ukraine.
Through the assistance of UFA member Dr. Zenia Chernyk, a nephrologist in Philadelphia, UFA volunteer efforts have included:
* medical supplies and equipment collected and airlifted to hospitals in Ukraine
* recruitment of 36 volunteer trauma surgeons and ER physicians to go to Ukraine to treat the wounded and sick, including a UFA member who is a pediatric plastic surgeon at CHOP
* sponsorship of a fleet of ambulances at the Anna Mazurenko Children’s Health Center to transport injured children to hospitals in Ukraine and other countries. The Mazurenko Center employs pediatric psychologists to treat traumatized children and their families
* sponsorship a K-9 therapy program
Princeton Girlchoir is a program of Westrick Music Academy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. More information and the concert and Westrick Music Academy’s other programs can be found at WestrickMusic.org
Princeton Girlchoir hopes you'll join them in making a difference for others!
Westrick Music Academy provides opportunities to grow in a supportive, inclusive, and joyous environment through the experience of musical excellence. Formerly known as Princeton Girlchoir, Westrick Music Academy (WMA) is the umbrella organization that houses: Princeton Girlchoir, Princeton Boychoir, and Music Education Programs.
Fueled by the power of a girl's voice, Princeton Girlchoir performs at home here in Princeton and throughout the world. Through music education and performance, girls develop their voice, build confidence, and often discover a lifelong love of singing together. Founded in 1989 as an after-school activity for 27 girls interested in singing, Princeton Girlchoir has grown to 300 choristers participating each year. Princeton Girlchoir has seven ensembles, comprising girls in 3rd through 12th grade. After auditioning, girls are placed by age and ability. Each choir sings music from various genres, conductors, and composers. While honing their musicianship, choristers begin life-long friendships, enjoy professional performance opportunities, and travel the world to perform.
