PC: KP Singh
Indianapolis, July 20, 2017: The Fifth Annual Christel House Concert raised funds for the Christel House International Academies in India (Bangalore, Naya Raipur) South Africa (Cape Town), Mexico (Mexico City) and Indiana (USA).
It was another evening of amazing inspiration: fabulous dance and music presentations; a passionate testimony and advocacy about creating educational empowerment opportunities for underprivileged children continents away, yet a part of our extended family. H
undreds of friends gathering in the ornate Egyptian Room, Old National Centre in Indianapolis to support the noble vision of Indiana's celebrated philanthropist, a treasured icon, and our own beloved Christel DeHaan. To add culture, spirit, and passion to the evening, the Concert featured some sensational performers and entertainment: Anita Lerche, Gregory Hancock and Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Epiphany Dance Collective, Indiana Children's Choir, Indianapolis Men's Chorus.
The evening included special guest performances by: Grammy Award-Winner Sylvia McNair, Indianapolis Symphony Concert Master Zach De Pue accompanied by celebrated pianist Marianne Tobias. Jimmy Matis served as Master of Ceremony and Auctioneer, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett offered a toast to Christel DeHaan and her visionary global initiative.
There was a silent and live auction, and food; opportunity to meet and greet friends and make new friends; introduction to people with world-class talents and even bigger hearts; taking in some pride and pleasure in being part of an imaginative and farsighted humanitarian service project with the potential for a lasting impact: Educational opportunities and empowerment of beautiful and deserving children here and in other lands. The evening raised over $206,000 and, we can be sure more will be on the way in coming weeks.
Such uplifting experiences are a bridge to our own humanity that seemed to span across cultures and traditions, continents and communities, circumstances and promise. This Concert was a living testimony for 4,600 students studying at the eight state-of-the art Christel House Academies that their lives and future matter to the good people of Indiana. Additional Christel House Academies around the world are already being planned. Thank you Christel DeHaan, Bobbi Bosch, Don Knebel, IUPUI, Indianapolis Hyderabad Sister City Committee, Lilly India Network, all who supported, sponsored, and attended the concert.