Local singers and musicians will gather Dec. 6 for a concert
benefiting the United Way of San Benito County.
Local performer Nancy McDowell has organized the benefit
Christmas concert for five years. Holding the event so early in
December allows the funds raised to be distributed to families by
Christmas.
Local singers and musicians will gather Dec. 6 for a concert benefiting the United Way of San Benito County.
Local performer Nancy McDowell has organized the benefit Christmas concert for five years. Holding the event so early in December allows the funds raised to be distributed to families by Christmas.
“It’s not just about Christmas, it’s about raising the spirits of the families of Hollister,” said McDowell, also the owner of the Wellness Clinic.
The free benefit concert will include a bell choir, woodwind quartet, solos, duets and quartets. Local performers include McDowell, Ed DeGroot and Michelle Perry. The event is presented by Hollister Business Professionals, a group of 14 that helps sponsor the event and donate money. Most are also members of LeTip.
“It’s not only about lifting their (the attendee’s) spirits, but also those of the disadvantaged in the community,” McDowell said. “The spirit of Christmas has always been about helping the disadvantaged.”
Last year, around $2,000 was raised with more than 400 attendees, McDowell said. Proceeds will go to the United Way and then local organizations – all the money stays in the community, she stressed.
Although the concert is free, people can donate money and businesses can run paid advertisements in the concert’s program.
Postnet is donating fliers and the printing of the program, and Dick Bruhn’s is providing the performers’ formal wear, McDowell said.
McDowell originally started the benefit concerts after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The money raised from the first concert went toward funding part of a local psychologist who was sent to New York to help grieving families.
Because of its roots, this year’s concert will start out with some patriotism – the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for U.S. troops. The rest of the evening’s pieces will center around the Christmas theme.
“It’s a community event. It’s on opportunity to be together and experience the meaning of Christmas and an opportunity to give if you have it,” McDowell said.
The Christmas Concert for Charity is Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2066 Cienega Road. The event is free and open to the public.
