The Yelm Choir Committee, a branch of YHS Connects — Yelm High School’s official booster club — hosted a benefit concert on Saturday, Nov. 9, in the YHS Performing Arts Center to raise money for YHS choir’s trip to New York City in May where it will perform at Carnegie Hall.
Performances throughout the Nov. 9 event included alumni or staff, Sarah Burke, Nui Aalona, Tim Henderson, Carolyn Cornwall and Emily McIntire. Students and community members who performed included the high school show choir, the junior show choir, Ryan Sudduth, the Olympic Ballroom Dancers and the NYC Jazz Band.
Entry for the benefit concern was free, however a donation of $20 was encouraged at the door for entry. A total of $8,700 was raised at the event. YHS Choir has set a goal of $60,000 for the trip, but noted that raising $80,000 for a trip to Carnegie Hall would be even better.
Kelly Cornwall, who helped organize the Yelm Choir Committee benefit concert, told the Nisqually Valley News on Nov. 18 that the YHS Choir fundraising for a trip to Carnegie Hall and New York City is about “two-thirds” of the way done.
“It went very well. It was the first time that we’ve put something together like this, and the choir committee who put this together did a fantastic job of getting everything organized,” Cornwall said. “We had so many donors who donated either services, gift certificates or different kinds of services that went to the silent auction for the event.”
The event also had a raffle and gave away some items and gift certificates donated by local businesses, Cornwall said. She added it was so much fun to see YHS choir alumni and several YCS staff members on the stage during the event’s concert.
“There was a lot of variety in the event, and lots of people participated,” Cornwall said. “I feel that it was a very successful first concert, and I’m hoping it becomes an annual event at the same time each year.
“We focused a lot of effort on this event,” Cornwall added. “We have things in the works, and we’ll try to get the word out as soon as possible. If the community wants to participate in helping, they can always reach out and I can share different ways if they want to donate through apps like Venmo, or by being a sponsor.”
Those interested in donating can reach out to Cornwall or YHS choir instructor Tim Henderson at YHSChoir@gmail.com with inquiries about donating to the group. The community will soon have another opportunity to hear local choirs perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, in the YHS Performing Arts Center, as more area choirs will perform.
“Thank you so much to all of those businesses and individuals who sponsored us so far, and donated to the choir. We have such a generous community,” Cornwall said. “It’s great to be a part of it, and we are so grateful for all of the help so far.”
