Sing-a-Thon 2000

St. Vincent de Paul Village
December 16, 2000

Please click on any thumbnail to view a larger image; journal below


Getting ready for lunch John Moore from the Village leads in the Choristers Along with our Conductor and Accompanist Mr. Herman and Ms. Lee
Mr. Campbell and Mr. Herman sync watches Quick warm up The audience anticipates Our first carol
Mr. Herman leads us on While the meals are served And the chaperones enjoy from the side This is fun
We think the audience enjoy it Jingle Bells! Jingle Bells! Steve and Joe watch intently Ready to move equipment to the next hall
Off to our next group Another beautiful setting We think so also Ok, let's sing it out
We're good at that The chorister's view We really enjoyed our visit We wish you a Merry Christmas...
..and a Happy New Year!

This year the Choir changed its venue for the Sing-a-thon and sang at the St. Vincent de Paul Village during the afternoon meal. Organized by Mr. Campbell, the event was uplifting and educational for both the choristers and the parents who chaperoned. Our contact was Mr. John Moore from St. Vincent, who is responsible for meal services and the volunteer office. Mr. Moore not only continued his normal duties, but also made the Choir feel at home with assistance in set up, by interacting with the choristers, and providing a short history to the chaperones.

Twenty choristers, lead by Mr. Herman and accompanied by Ms. Lee, sang to two large groups of diners in two different halls. The first group consisted of many of the village neighbors and those who recently found themselves in hard times. After filing in orderly and sitting down, the group listened intently as the choristers warmed up before the meal. Then everyone hushed as the head leader of the meal activity said the blessing and then led the group in "O Come All Ye Faithful". The Choir then sang carols as volunteers and St. Vincent staff delivered the meals to all. When asked, Mr. Moore mentioned that there is no requirement to enter the cafeteria. Just show up at the door, three meals a day, and you're welcomed in to eat.

The choristers then went to the second hall whose inhabitants have been in the Village a little longer - up to two years. Again the audience was very receptive. Many of the small children sat on the floor around the choristers, while their parents joined in the caroling. The singing brought a festive air throughout the halls, as there were smiles everywhere and we were welcomed wherever we went with "nods of hello". After an hour and fifteen minutes of caroling, the choristers bid goodbye to their hosts and went on their way.

We don't know if the Sing-a-thon was successful as a fundraiser for the choristers, but no matter how successful - it came in second to the experience for the choristers and the gift of joy they gave to others.

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