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Month-long performance series to aid Parish Cupboard

(From left to right) Nora Murphy, Madeline Londo, Molly Ryder and Charlotte Charbonneau before dancing in the Better Living Center at the Home Show as part of the sneak peak of the up coming Polar Express benefit performance. Reminder Publications submitted photo
By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD The Parish Cupboard is a symbol of hope and refuge for the greater Springfield community, offering daily meals to over 30 people and a food pantry stocked by the generosity of others.

But nothing in this world comes for free as those who work and volunteer at the Parish Cupboard know all too well. When the food runs out there's only hope that more donations will come in for the pantry and those who rely on it.

The need for funds and food for this organization has prompted several local performance groups to put on fundraisers for the Parish Cupboard this month. On Dec. 12 the West Springfield High School Choir will be performing a holiday benefit concert in their auditorium. They are asking for a $2 donation per person.

On Dec. 16 the dancers of Louise Noel's Dance and Gymnastics will be putting on a benefit performance of the Polar Express at Mittineague Congregational Church at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.

On Dec. 20 the West Springfield High School band will be performing in their auditorium at 7 p.m. with an admission of one canned good per person for the Parish Cupboard.

"We're Mother Hubbard for the community and so if my whole family includes 100 200 households I have to ask on behalf of all households this time of year," Candy Boucher, executive director of the Parish Cupboard, said. "People do what they do best and offer the proceeds [of their benefits] to charity and I think that's a blessing."

The West Springfield High School chorus will be kicking off the performance series with an eclectic range of holiday songs and sing-a-longs. The performance list includes "The Hannukah Song," "The Shepherd's Carol," "Silent Night," "Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells."

Terry Larsen, choral director at West Springfield High School, said he believes it is extremely important that his students contribute to charity not just during the holidays but year round. "We hope to become a patron of the Parish Cupboard on a regular basis," he said. Larsen also directs an adult ensemble called Schola Nova of 20 people who will also be performing at the benefit concert. He said that approximately 100 singers will be performing over the course of the evening.

Wendy Charbonneau, media coordinator for the Louise Noel's Dance and Gymnastics performance of the Polar Express, said they are aiming for a "lofty" fundraising goal of $5,000.

"As someone who has volunteered at the Parish Cupboard I was amazed at the number of needy and hungry people there are," she said. "It's time we help out the children and families in our own backyards."

Louise Noel, co-director of Louise Noel's Dance and Gymnastics, said over the years she has seen more and more parents unable to offer "luxury items" or activities for their children such as dance classes. She added that she wants the students of her studio, who range in age from four to 17, to learn that "the world is bigger than their Game Boys."

William Carr, director of the West Springfield High School band, said several hundred people attended their benefit concert last year. He added that five large boxes of canned goods were donated to the Parish Cupboard and he is hoping for more this year.

Admission for both concerts at West Springfield High School will be received at the door. Tickets for the Polar Express can be purchased by calling 736-5196 or by sending an e-mail to louisenoelsdanceandgymnastics@verizon.net or by mail to LNDG, 87 Norman St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Checks must be made payable to L.N.D.G.

For more information about the Parish Cupboard call 734-7969.