Organizers with the Friends of Guatemala are thrilled with the results of a fundraising concert held earlier this month.
The event raised almost $4,000 and another $4,000 in private donations was received, said Doug Maas, the group’s secretary-treasurer.
“We had 170 people attend and the music by Poplar & 51st and the Wildrose Yodel Club was fabulous. Many people indicated to me it was a fun evening,” he said.
Friends of Guatemala has been holding these fundraising concerts for 15 years, and have featured performers such as Valdy, The Arrogant Worms, and Oscar Lopez.
“This year, we decided to feature local talent and had a great response to this initiative.”
The organization took the concert and donated funds, added it to the $2,000 already in its bank account, and sent a cheque for $10,000 to Guatemala.
Maas said the funds will be used to help with a food security project undertaken by Fraternidad, a Christian women’s organization.
Friends of Guatemala have been supporting Fraternidad food security projects for many years.
Members have also visited Guatemala on numerous occasions to review projects and determine other needs.
Maas said each Friends of Guatemala member pays his or her own way on those trips.
One performer, Ray Baird, a country artist, could not perform on April 5, and so is having his own concert at St. Andrew’s United Church on May 5th at 2 p.m. to raise money for Friends of Guatemala.
Called the Raincheck concert, a goodwill offering will be taken and everyone is welcome.