SPRING BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE SUNAC PRIMARY SCHOOL IN GUINEA BISSAU, AFRICA

Last May the Upstate New York Region of WFWP-USA was pleased to sponsor a Spring Benefit Concert to help a school on the western tip of Africa. Recently built in 2002, the Sunac Primary School is a humanitarian project of WFWP in Guinea Bissau, which is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Since only 25% of the children there have the opportunity to receive an education, this project is fulfilling a critical need. The purpose of our concert was to raise funds to help this special school maintain itself and prosper.

Our WFWP region is fortunate to have as a member Seiko Lee, a professional soprano with an extensive resume in recording and performing internationally. When we heard that she had already performed for WFWP in solo benefit concerts in other parts of the world, we knew that she would happily do one for Upstate New York as well. Seiko's vast experience and networking ability allowed her to quickly develop an impressive program and gather other great musicians to perform with her.

To attract a broader audience, we selected as our concert venue a local Episcopal Church in the historic town of Rhinebeck. The church is noted as the home parish of the famed millionaire philanthropist, John Jacob Astor, who died on the Titanic. The English Gothic architecture and stained glass throughout the church created a reverent and peaceful ambiance for the concert.

Although putting on a professional-level concert such as this was, quite frankly, a lot of work, we gained a great deal in the process. One hopeful tip we learned while seeking donations for this concert was that many local banks, large corporations, and "big box stores" like Staples and Home Depot are quite willing to donate to worthy causes if only we ask them. When we approached them with our flyer, program and video, they were inspired by our efforts and were willing to donate. Unfortunately, we did not realize this technique until only a few days before the concert. This has opened a new door for us, though, so the next time we sponsor such an event, we will definitely expand our efforts in corporate fundraising.

The musical program offered a great variety for the audience, a mixture of classical, folk, and popular pieces. Chris Alan Deurflinger and Cindy Yokpore, though just college age, both displayed great depth of talent and experience. Having distinguished himself with a recently recorded CD and a role in the Broadway production of "Les Miserables", Chris Alan sang and accompanied many of his own original songs such as "Giving Tree" and "Missing You". Lead singer in the vocal group, "Colors of Love", Cindy offered soulful renditions of old spirituals and popular favorites such as "Bridge over Troubled Water". When Chris Alan and Cindy sang together, they were accompanied by yet another talented singer/songwriter, Joshua Cotter, creating a full musical sound.

Before the second half of the program began, WFWP member Clare Yasutake and her husband Cliff showed the audience an informative video about the school in Guinea Bissau and spoke about their experience there as missionaries. This opened many eyes and hearts to the great suffering in Africa.

After intermission, Seiko, together with her accompanist Rikako Asanuma of the New York Harlem Boys Choir, tenderly sang several classical pieces by Verdi, Puccini, Caccini and Lloyd-Webber. Later, supported by classical guitarist Roy Morgan, she went on to sing some colorfully arranged folk songs in three different languages: Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese. Julie Berman, a violinist from the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, also accompanied Seiko before offering as a solo Vivaldi's "Spring" from "The Four Seasons". When all seven performers joined forces in the finale, "My Tribute: To God Be the Glory" by Andre Crouch, all 200 guests rose to their feet with an inspired applause. Some guests said it was a sublime experience. Others expressed interest in joining the activities of WFWP.

In addition to the uplifting music, the women of the Japanese Kodan organization made delicate gifts of origami for each guest to take home, in appreciation of their support. The cooperation between the Kodan and WFWP members also greatly contributed to the success of the event.

The Benefit Concert Organizing Committee would like to especially thank Mrs. Seiko Lee for her unwavering dedication to this project. Her experience and loving patience were all essential elements of the concert's success. Many thanks also are offered to our other talented performers who traveled so far and offered so much. Special mention should be made for all the hard work of our local WFWP members who tirelessly passed out flyers, prepared the hall for the concert, and ushered during the concert. Our appreciation also goes to the crew that edited the concert video, which is now available through WFWP-USA Headquarters.

The audience left the concert with hearts full of love, inspiration, and vision of living for the sake of others. Having raised $1,500 for Sunac School, our WFWP members were humbled by the opportunity to help substantially, and yet, are encouraged to do more. We are committed to expanding this foundation on an annual basis. Let's not forget Africa!