Members of the Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts’ Youth for Christ Club presented a $1,000 donation check recently to representatives from the Haiti Health Trust. The club raised the funds through producing a benefit concert which took place at the school in March.

“We are thrilled to see your students become involved and support this cause,” said Carol Van Artsdalen, secretary and treasurer of the Haiti Health Trust. She thanked the club members and explained that the Haiti Health Trust supports a hospital in Haiti and sends therapists to train local Haitians on care and support of disabled children, among many other initiatives.

“This money will make a huge difference, thank you!” she added.

Andrea Nichols, Haiti Health Trust board member, said “ I came to your concert and I am so impressed with all of you. You are so talented and you inspired many others with your efforts.”

Emily McManaman, president of the Youth for Christ Club, explained that the club really wanted to do something on a larger scale this year for its fundraising initiative and that it was nice to have more students involved.

“I was so emotional when I saw that we had reached the fundraising amount that we did, I cried,” she said. She also praised club adviser Cheryl Schurz for her leadership and support.

Charter Arts Executive Director Diane LaBelle was moved by the club’s hard work and effort to make this fundraising event so successful.

“I am so proud of all of you,” she said. She also spoke about the incredible passion and dedication Charter Arts students have in supporting our local and global community.

The Youth for Christ Club is one of the more than 30 clubs available to students of the school. The Youth for Christ Club membership this year has included 25 students.

Contributed article