Local Events to Benefit Typhoon Haiyan Relief

Over the past several weeks, people around the world have been pitching to support relief efforts aiding the estimated 11-million plus affected by Typhoon Haiyan, reportedly one of the strongest storms in history, which struck the Philippines and Southeast Asia in early November.

Here in Concord, the help is coming in many ways.

This weekend, for example, a portion of the proceeds from Concord-Carlisle High School’s fall production of “Nation” will go to the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. And, next Wednesday, Trinitarian Congregational Church will host a benefit recital to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan Relief.

“Nation” is a newish play based on the Terry Pratchett novel by the same name, in which the two main characters are teens from different worlds carried by a tsunami to the shores of an island where they create a new Nation. It takes the stage at CCHS at 7 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Concord-Carlisle’s student newspaper, The Voice, reports that auditions were held in September and students have spent the weeks since rehearsing and preparing for the fall production.

“The show is in a state that is better than everyone’s expected,” Ryan Hebert, a lead in the production, told The Voice. “Everyone has done their ‘homework’ and it is going to be a different show than anyone has ever seen at the high school.”

Next Wednesday’s recital, to be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Trinitarian Congregational Church, is a combined effort by three local organizations to support Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts.

According to a press release, the recital was organized by the Trinitarian Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and Newbury Court, and will feature local pianist Tanya Bartevyan.

“This has all come together so wonderfully,” said the Rev. John Lombard, pastor of Trinitarian Congregational Church, in a press release. “We are so grateful for the teamwork and swift outpouring and willingness to get help to people in need. We are delighted that Tanya will be performing. It should be a wonderful evening.” 

There will be a free-will offering collected, and 100 percent of all donated funds will go to those most in need through Church World Services.