Jim Kreger

By MEL TOADVINE,mtoadvine@breezenewspapers.com

A musical extravaganza like no other ever held in Lehigh Acres is planned For Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 with proceeds from contributions going to buy much needed medical supplies that will be flown to Haiti’s earthquake victims by Dr. Stephen Schroering, a member of the staff of Lehigh Regional Medical Center and practicing physician on Homestead Rd.

Jim Kreger, who heads the music ministry at Faith Lutheran Church where the concert will be held, said newspaper and TV accounts have shown the ever growing great need in Haiti.

“This is one way to really help out. The people of Lehigh always come through to help others,” Kreger said.

Three groups will perform at the concert which starts at 3 p.m. They include The Lehigh Children’s Chorus, The Lehigh Singers and the Edison State College Chorale.

The concert will be held at Faith Lutheran Church and will feature music from Broadway to the classics, Kreger said.

A few of the presenting artists include Lauren Davis and Shadow Valentin singing The Prayer, made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli; Blair Siciliano, 8, who will be doing a rendition of Tomorrow from Annie; and the Edison College Chorale singing music of Haydn.

A spirited double quartet from The Lehigh Singers will present several love selections including Heart and soul by Hoage Carmichael.

“We wish we could be in Haiti to help, but through the gift of singing, our children and members of the Lehigh Singers and the Edison College Chorale are here to help raise needed money to buy much needed medical supplies and other items to be sent to Haiti,” said Candace Sunby, music director of all three groups participating in the concert.

“Since I conduct all three groups, it was only natural to combine them in one concert. The tragedy that has enfolded in Haiti is almost unimaginable. We all want to help in some way. This is our way of giving to this critical need,” Sunby said.

Robert Bowers of the accounting firm that bears his name in Lehigh and a board member of both the Lehigh singing groups, along with David Sunby will be featured as soloists in the concert as well.

Beth Love, president of the Lehigh Singers and a member of the Community Council of Lehigh said that as one of the oldest musical groups in Lee County and Lehigh Acres, they are more than willing to show their support.

“Faith Lutheran is always willing to lend a hand in helping our community as well as the worldwide community, said the church’s outgoing Council president John Kintz.

“A concert of this nature will lift everyone’s spirit. We need that.

“Haiti residents need that. We’re hoping everyone will come to the concert and enjoy the music while they are helping people recover from a terrible disaster,” said Damon Shelor, also a member of Faith Lutheran Church and the current president of the community Council.

“This church facility at 705 Leeland Heights Blvd. will hold more than 400 people in the main sanctuary with additional seating in the lobby if necessary. I hope we have to put extra seats in the foyer to accommodate the attendees.

“There is a critical immediate need in Haiti and the people of Lehigh have always come through in the past in emergencies and I have a feeling they will be here in full support again,” Shelor said.

There is no cost to get into the concert but the public is being asked to contribute so supplies can be purchased and sent to Haiti.

“This is a benefit, so dig deep. Bring your wallet, checkbook or pocketbook, help these victims in Haiti. Let’s show them that Lehigh cares with love,” said Kreger.

“Dr. Schroering’s efforts through World Harvest Missions have been raising money to make the trip possible, too.

“Any and all checks may be written to World Harvest Missions, a 501 (c) (3) not-for profit organization for this concert,” Kreger said.

The Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres, a major sponsor for The Lehigh Singers, is lending their support in this effort, too, Kreger said.