WinterSongs Concert Returns for 10th Annual Show to Raise Funds; AFE, PECFA Pledge to Match $2,000 in Donations

WinterSongs Concert Returns for 10th Annual Show to Raise Funds; AFE, PECFA Pledge to Match $2,000 in Donations

NEWS RELEASE


(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—The annual WinterSongs Concert, which raises funds for Shelter for Help in Emergency, is returning for its 10th year of fundraising this Saturday, February 24. The concert begins at 5 p.m. in the Monticello High School Auditorium.

This year, WinterSongs is bringing together eight women’s ensembles from Albemarle County Public Schools and Charlottesville City Schools for a program that centers around empowering women and bolstering self-esteem. Since the program’s start in 2015, WinterSongs has raised around $33,000 for local charities that help women in need.

“WinterSongs is really a program for our students by our students,” Craig Jennings, the director of WinterSongs and choir teacher at Burley Middle School, said. “By working together to create a show during which they can express frustrations or fears or even joy at the world around them, they are working together to help each other find their voice and speak up.”

An exciting addition to this year’s program is a donation match by the Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE) and the Public Education Foundation of Charlottesville-Albemarle (PEFCA). Working together, the AFE and PEFCA have committed to matching the first $2,000 in donations.

“We are so thrilled to follow in the footsteps of our students in doing what we can to assist vulnerable groups in our community,” Tessa Ashoff, AFE Executive Director, said. “By helping our students empower women in our community, we’re helping our students empower themselves and make a direct, visible impact in the place they live.”

The day of the concert, student performers will share a full day of community building and workshops centered around female empowerment. WinterSongs has also partnered this year with Jessica Carter of HER Sports, a nonprofit that aims to help girls remain and excel at sports and build leadership and character skills, to deliver the keynote speech.

This year’s WinterSongs lineup includes Albemarle High School’s No Fella A Cappella, Advanced Women’s Ensemble, and Show Choir; Charlottesville High School’s Knightengales; the Burley Bearettes Advanced Treble Chorus; and choruses from Monticello High School, Lakeside Middle School, Journey Middle School, and Buford Middle School.

Doors will open at Monticello High School at 4:25 p.m. on the day of the concert. While there is no charge for admission, donations are encouraged and can be made at the door.

“Our students are so excited and very proud of the program we’ve put together this year,” Jennings said, “and we can’t wait to share it with our community.”

For more information on the performance or how to make donations to the cause, visit the WinterSongs website at WinterSongs.org.


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