Young Westport Musicians Unite To Help Children in Haiti

Twelve dedicated, local musicians, known as Kids for Kids, will lend their talent to raise money for the education of children still suffering in Haiti. Performances will include a variety of jazz, pop, rock and classical music with all funds going directly to Save the Children. The benefit will take place on Sunday, March 25 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church in Westport, located at 10 Lyons Plains Rd. 

Admission is free, but donations are kindly suggested. Contributions can be made in cash or by check at the event, or online at www.savethechildren.org/kids-for-kids. Complimentary refreshments will be served after the performance.

Kids for Kids began in 2010, the idea of Coleytown student, Luke Sauer, to enable children to use their talent to help other children in need around the world. This will mark the third year the group will perform for charity, raising over $4,500 each year for organizations with roots in Westport. In its first year, the group raised money for Save the Children’s Haiti Relief Fund following the country’s devastating earthquake. Last year’s funds were donated to children struggling with HIV in Africa through the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, the charitable organization founded by actor, philanthropist, and long time Westport resident, the late Paul Newman.

This year, Kids for Kids returns its charitable focus to Haiti, and its continued struggle to rebuild. Two years after the massive quake, half a million children are living in camps. Save the Children has built more than 38 schools and trained 2,300 teachers across the country. They implement school readiness programs including health and nutrition activities, hygiene training, and administration of medication to ensure the children’s future educational success.

Once again, Dr. Richard Weidlich, faculty member at Western Connecticut State University and the New Canaan Performing Arts Conservatory will direct the Kids for Kids ensemble. Generous local support enables all donations to go directly to Save the Children. Sponsors include Darrelyn Brennan, Vice President of Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors, Miggs Burroughs, CT Family Physical Therapy, Whole Foods Market, Westport Historical Society, Great Cakes, Challah Connection, Green Mountain Coffee, Newman's Own and Trader Joe's.