For some, music is a source of joy and entertainment. For other, it provides food and security during an uncertain time of year.
Since 2003, the First United Methodist Church of Delmar has hosted the Voices of Hope Benefit Concert as a member of the Interfaith Partnership of the Homeless. The concert raises funds for Interfaith’s summer youth programs, which provide activities, field trips and healthy lunches to hundreds of children each year.
“I think this event speak highly of not only our faith’s community, but the Capital District community as a whole,” said Nan Rabinow, event director and the church’s office manager.
Nearly $16,000 has been donated to the Interfaith Partnership of the Homeless since 2009. The concert is in its 19th year and features musicians from throughout the Capital District. It was held in another location before the Delmar congregation picked up the event 11 years ago.
For 15 years, the congregation has worked to support the Albany communities of Arbor Hill and Sheridan Hollow by helping to provide a refuge for the children of those neighborhoods when school is out. Members also often help serve meals at local shelters and raise funds for the Interfaith Partnership’s various programs.
Eric Guzman, Interfaith Partnerships’s marketing director, said the summer youth program unofficially began in 2007.
“The program really started as our executive director just making sandwiches and going to spend some time with the kids at the park,” said Guzman. “It’s now a full summer program, which lasts 11 weeks.”
Kids do not have to register, and there is no cost. Each day at noon, all of the children in attendance are served a healthy lunch. They also spend the day playing games, making crafts and staying active. Last year about 1,770 lunches were served, and 986 children participated for the summer. The program sees about 40 children per day.
“It’s something to keep the kids of the neighborhood engaged when school isn’t in session,” said Guzman.
All of the funds raised by the Delmar event go toward purchasing food and supplies, as well as paying for some minor field trips.
At the end of the summer program, 75 children are given a backpack full of school supplies for the coming school year. All of the items are donated and purchased with funds from SEFCU and Community Resource Federal Credit Union.
Performers at this year’s event will include the Capital District Youth Chorale, the Chancel Choir of Delmar Methodist and pianists from The Music Studio of Albany. New to this year’s concert is the Saint Rose Chamber Choir and soprano vocalist Jean Leonard.
“I’m always impressed that new groups are so interested in participating in this event,” said Rabinow.
The Capital District Youth Chorale will perform for the entire second half of the concert. The act is an award-winning group of 106 singers in its 31st year of existence. It consists of three ensembles of students from fourth grade to high school seniors.
“When you look at these different choral groups and musicians, they create a repertoire for this concert and put in hundreds of hours of rehearsal time,” said Rabinow. “That’s a lot of time and effort put into this event on their behalf. I think it’s sweet that many performers are kids, and they are doing this to give back to other children.”
About 400 people attend the event each year, and $4,700 was raised last year alone.
Each year, the Norm Elfeldt Award is also presented at the concert. Named after a parishioner who worked tirelessly to give back to the community, the award is presented annually to a hardworking Interfaith Partnership volunteer.
Russell Greene will be presented with the 2014 award. Greene was once homeless and was one of the many people to make use of the Interfaith Partnership’s Sheridan Hollow Drop-In Center six years ago. After struggling with addiction and mental illness, he is now in recovery and donates his time helping to stock shelves, do dishes and organize donations for IPH. Greene “will soon be moving out of homelessness and into one of IPH’s supportive apartments, where he will continue receiving support and guidance as he works toward his ultimate goal of obtaining employment,” according to the organization.
Each day, the Interfaith Partnership’s Sheridan Hollow Drop-In Center serves 70 to 115 individuals and families. About 86 percent of the individuals served are between 18 and 29 years old, with the average length of stay being 22 days.
The concert will be held on Sunday, March 30, at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Delmar. Admission is free, but donations for the youth summer program will be accepted and are appreciated.
“Those in attendance are asked to give from the heart because it goes to a good cause,” said Rabinow.
According to Rabinow, for those who cannot attend, donations are always accepted for the wish lists of those Interfaith serves at the shelter and drop-in center. Popular items include cleaning supplies, toiletries, sewing kits and cookware.
For more information, call 434-8021 or visit www.interfaithpartnership.com.