Local clergy organize benefit for Haitian earthquake victims
By MARTY MADDEN
Calvert Independent Associate Editor
The devastating earthquake in Haiti has prompted the pastors of three Calvert churches to enlist the aid of the county’s talented individuals to help raise funds to aid the victims.
The “Calvert For Haiti” Benefit Concert was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Huntingtown High School (HHS), however the predicted winter storm has pushed that date back tentatively to March 6, 2010.
According to one of the event’s organizers, the Rev. Robert Hahn of Chesapeake Church, every dollar raised will be donated to the American Red Cross. Online donations are being accepted on the event's website at www.calvertforhaiti.org
The idea for the show started to take shape after the Rev. Dante King, pastor of Greater Mt. Zion Church in Prince Frederick, attended a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Network awards program the weekend after the earthquake and heard several entertainers talk about an upcoming concert to benefit Haiti.
He mentioned the idea of a local benefit in Calvert County to Sgt. Larry Titus of the Maryland State Police at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant.
“We wanted our own county to do something to benefit our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” said King. “Everybody we talked to was excited about it and the talent just got on board.”
The show will feature musical performances by Ben Connelly of Solomons, Washington, DC-based gospel artist Stephen Hurd and Southern Maryland native John Luskey. A special performance by Abigail Francisco’s School of Classical Ballet is also scheduled, along with performances by local choirs and artists.
“The need is so great in Haiti,” said Hahn. “Everybody has been looking for a way to help.”
Why does the community want to reach out to Haiti when so many are experiencing hard times here in Calvert?
“I think we’re blessed despite the tough economic times,” said King. “There’s always someone worse off than us.”
“When we can reach out to someone, it helps us help each other,” said Hahn. “It’s an amazing moment in time. People are looking out to do both, help those in need in Calvert and Haiti.”
“We had a special prayer at Greater Mt. Zion for Haiti,” said King. “Our congregation has responded with individual donations from $100 to $1,000.”
All donations are tax-deductible and anyone wishing to contribute may do so with cash, check or credit card. Make checks payable to Calvert For Haiti, P.O. Box 758, Huntingtown, MD 20639. More information about the concert is available at www.calvertforhaiti.org.
The doors to HHS auditorium open at 3 p.m. The auditorium seats about 800.
“We’re expecting a full house, a big crowd,” said King.
E-mail Marty Madden at editorial@calvertindependent.com.
The Calvert Independent
