Multicultural Association to host benefit concert for Project C.U.R.E.
Andrew Glass |
Rachel Lampa, a Dove award winning Christian singer-songwriter from Nashville, will headline the concert featuring six music groups, including four acts with current students and recent graduates of Lipscomb. The Brian Stace band, a country quintet from Wisconsin, will also be a special guest in the show.
- Craig Beezy, a senior and rap/R&B artist;
- Zach Green, a sophomore singer-songwriter;
- Tyler Flowers, singer-songwriter and Lipscomb alumnus; and
- Born Empty, a Nashville rock band featuring Eric Esters, another Lipscomb alumnus.
Vivianna Dunnigan, senior and co-president of the Multicultural Association, has high expectations for the concert and is excited about sharing this opportunity to serve others with the student body.
“I’ve been waiting all summer for the benefit concert,” Dunnigan said. “We’re expecting a big turn out this year and I’m excited about people supporting this cause. Many college students want to do something about the problems facing Third World countries, but they don’t have an endless amount of funds to donate. That’s why we’ve tried to create an event that is both affordable and entertaining.”
Vicki Gaw, the group’s sponsor and administrative assistant of Multicultural Affairs, echoed Dunnigan’s passion for the concert saying, “This is a way for us to reach out with Christ’s love to those who are less fortunate than us.”
The idea of hosting a benefit concert was originally proposed last year by Daniel Tsegayne, a senior, who informed the group about the needs of the Black Lion Hospital. The show was postponed though, and the group decided to hold an open talent show for the student body. In an effort to see their original project through to completion, the group began meeting in the summer to make arrangements for the show.
The Black Lion Hospital is just one of the many Third World medical institutions that Project C.U.R.E. supplies with life-saving medicines.
Dr. James Jackson founded Project C.U.R.E. in 1987 while on a business trip to Brazil. He observed long lines of children, parents and grandparents waiting to enter a small medical clinic. Once inside, he learned that many people were being turned away due to a lack of basic medical supplies and equipment.
Determined to make a difference, Jackson returned to his home in Evergreen, Colo., and began collecting medical supplies in his garage to send back to the clinic. After one month’s time, he was able to ship $250,000 worth of donated medical surplus to the Brazilian clinic.
Project C.U.R.E. took root in Denver, where two collection center facilities were established. By 2012, Project C.U.R.E. will operate collection centers in 25 cities around the United States. The organization ships an average of one cargo container per week to almost 100 countries around the world including: North Korea, Cuba, Russia, Vietnam, and numerous countries in Africa and South America.
“Project C.U.R.E. had a message that really struck us,” said Gaw. “When we go to a hospital here in America, we assume that they are going to have the supplies and resources that will cure us. This isn’t something you can expect in a Third World country. We hope to make students aware of the seriousness of this problem.”
Dunnigan has been impressed with the positive feedback from the participating artists.
“These artists are very talented; far better than our budget could allow for.” Dunnigan said. “They didn’t want any money. You can tell that they truly have a heart for this cause.”
“Coming to see this concert is a win-win situation,” Flowers said. “You get to see a great show, while supporting a wonderful cause.”
The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. They can be purchased in Swang 120-A.
Refreshments will be provided, and all those in attendance will be able to enter a door prize contest for gift cards and an MP3 player. For questions regarding the concert, contact Vicki Gaw at gawr@lipscomb.edu or 966-6134.