UNC’s nine a cappella groups came together to sing as “1 Voice 4 Haiti” in a benefit concert Monday night at Memorial Hall.
The event raised more than $5,000 for Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that brings development efforts to areas in need, to support its reconstruction efforts in Haiti.
“When we heard about the devastation in Haiti, we agreed that there was no better time than the present to get together,” said Andrew Simpson, a member of the Clef Hangers.
Ways to donate:
-Visit unc.edu/Haiti to find upcoming events and make a secure gift through the Make A Gift tab
-Fill out a form at a PID drive to make a donation through your UNC expense account
-Drop spare change into white buckets marked “Pennies for Haiti” throughout campus
-Make a direct donation to one of the 25 relief organizations listed on the Center for Public Service Web site
“Everyone loves a cappella, and we knew that a unified effort would bring out a lot of kids and raise a lot of money.”
A slide show of pictures of Haitian children played as people found their seats, and the concert opened with a recording of Haitian orphans singing.
Homecoming queen Carly Brantmeyer, who emceed with Homecoming king Desmond Rowe, was able to take pictures of and record the children when she visited Haiti in November.
She said the concert provided an opportunity to share and celebrate the voices of Haitian children with UNC.
“The orphans I spent time with in Haiti taught me what it really means to be joyful,” Brantmeyer said.
“Despite suffering, and despite what the world may currently perceive, there is hope and beauty in Haiti.”
The nine a cappella groups typically perform together in only two events per year, both sponsored by the General Alumni Association.
“This is the first-ever event happening as a result of the a cappella community themselves,” said Will Thomason, a member of Psalm 100.
The groups dressed in red and black, and some wore red ribbons to honor Haiti.
In addition to the money from ticket sales, donations were collected in buckets at the end of the concert.
Architecture for Humanity has already laid out a five-year reconstruction plan for devastated areas in Haiti. This includes plans to build sustainable housing, educate communities about earthquake-proof construction and develop schools and hospitals.
The costs to reserve Memorial Hall were covered by Covenant Gives Back, Carolina Leadership Development, the Black Student Movement and Top of the Hill. The GAA also joined the effort, funding the printing of the programs and advertising.
Walt Peters, a member of the Walk-Ons, said the event offered the a cappella groups the chance to celebrate the people of Haiti through song.
“It was really collaborative from start to end,” Peters said.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
