Soon the weather will warm for good and the flowers will be blooming. Spring is a great time to take joy in the legacy of the gifts left from those gone before. We need to share that joy with those in need. The volunteer Good Tidings Benefit ecumenical choir formed over 25 years ago to help the food banks of Geauga County through the Geauga Hunger Task Force (GHTF).
In 2013, the GHTF received a 90% cut from the Cleveland Foodbank’s Harvest for Hunger distribution, as the Foodbank is now allocating based upon usage, not where money is raised. Harvest for Hunger dollars raised in Geauga no longer stay in Geauga.
“This came as a very big shock to our pantries,” said Rev. Ed Peterson, chairman of the GHTF Board and Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Middlefield. “Suddenly, our Middlefield pantry went from receiving $10,931 to $894 with very little notice.”
The Good Tidings Benefit Choir will continue their legacy of raising spirits and funds by performing the Easter sections of G.F. Handel’s Messiah. The two performances of this timeless oratorio will be April 12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 3 p.m. at Notre Dame Chapel, 13000 Auburn Road in Munson. There is no charge or reservations for the performances but a goodwill offering will be taken.
“The composer G. F. Handel used this same music to raise funds for the needy in his lifetime. He built orphanages, hospitals, and helped the poor from concerts in the cities of Europe,” said Sue Juhasz, Project Coordinator. “Although it is sad that we are still in need, it is wonderful that these years have produced a talented and committed group ready to help their community.”
The choir is under the direction of Robert Boles and accompanied by Joy Leirer. The fine soloists this season will be Robert Boles, Laura Christian, Sara Hamrick, Colleen Juhasz, Sylvia Jurcak, Brenda Moosbrugger, Charles Moosbrugger, Alex Taipale, and Aubrey Woods. The attendees will also be invited to join in the Hallelujah chorus.
The GHTF has created a Feed Geauga campaign to fill the $39,000 gap created from the Food Bank’s new policy and the increase in demand. “We are seeing the need for our pantries increase. Last year, we saw a 10% increase in usage, to over 10,000 client visits. Of greatest concern to us is that the biggest increase in use is our senior population,” said Peterson.
The Geauga Hunger Task Force is a volunteer driven organization that has been in existence since 1977. There are seven food pantries throughout Geauga County that serve the hungry year-round. Please consider attending this wonderful event and extending your neighbors a loving hand.
