‘THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR’- RAISING FUNDS FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN

Základní škola Milady Petřkové, Velký Týnec near Olomouc Czech Republic

While acknowledgments by this writer normally come at the end of a story, in this instance, it seems so much more fitting to be giving recognition to the many who made this event at the Somerset Civic Centre on Sunday 6^th November both the entertaining and financial success that it became. The ‘Sweethearts of Song’, Kathleen, Susie, Carolyn, and Maree are grateful beyond measure to the amazing friends who pulled together in an enthusiastic gathering of talent and support for a wonderful cause.

The ranking of those names is inconsequential for to find favour would be a daunting task. Accordingly, we are indebted to Chayne and Jackie Walsh and Jackie’s brother, John Caffin who gave so freely of their time and expertise on this and multiple days to set the stage and direct the sound and lighting. From the outset, we knew we were in good hands. To ever willing Ruth Skippen, and Suzanne and Jan, the Choir’s treasured treasurers who so ably managed the front of house ticket sales and raffle selling, a task made more efficient thanks to Suzanne’s husband Paul whose command of all things technological was able to set up a system for eftpos.

To Di Chaplin, who was quick to put up her hand to oversee the raffle of the superb whip, a magnanimous gift by Pat O’Sullivan and along with Di, Judy Seppanen, Jan, Joann, Kerry, Anna, and Caitlin stepped up to undertake the serving of afternoon tea and the following late-hour restoration of the kitchen. Alexis, thank you too for the array of robust plants assembled by you. While modest in quantity it was prodigious in popularity contributing greatly to the day’s objective…or could it have been the attraction of Eric’s unbridled charm whilst managing the stall? Could there be anyone as committed as Joann when it comes to following instructions? Thank you, Jo, for being our gun roadie.

A special thanks to all the donors of raffle prizes including Choir cheerleader, Felice Evans who, though unable to attend the concert, spent a day with Carolyn on the footpath in Toogoolawah selling raffle tickets; to the unwavering support of the Somerset Regional Council and management team at the Somerset Civic Centre; the ever reliable seller of entry tickets, Ann, at Two Galah’s Gallery and the Editors of the Somerset Newspaper who are so good at getting their readers as excited about our events as we are.

As Master of Ceremonies, Councillor Sean Choat is fast becoming an unofficial member of the Esk Community Choir and again on this day his gift of the gab paved the way from go to whoa - this now a perfect segue to the recounting of the day’s outstanding performances.

How fantastic it is to be surrounded by so many inspiring and talented Choir family and friends. Often it is that accompanists feel unappreciated but here is public proof, Alexis, that you are not. As a choir director and, on this day, an accompanist, you are truly gifted, as a friend, unforgettable. The accumulated hours of practice by the Glen Rock Uke Group, under the polished guidance of Ruth Skippen and Judy Seppanen paid dividends with a wonderfully musical performance. There was the irrepressible Anna Wheildon’s sassy fun and sparkling stage flamboyance; the swooning crooning Dean Martin doppelganger, Pete ‘the plumber’ Edwards; the euphonious voice of Elaine Coates both in solo and in duet with Kathleen. Unveiling her versatility, Kathleen turned her tune to Opera, and by the other Sweethearts, Carolyn, Susie, and Maree, duets, and solos. It was apparent that sound and lighting were not their only strengths when the ‘Chayne Gang’, Chayne, John and Millie Walsh won the rapt attention of the audience with an outstanding vocal and instrumental performance.

Bookending the day’s entertainment were the harmonious sounds of the ‘Sweethearts of Song’ celebrating, amongst others, the songs of Linda Ronstadt, The Carpenters, Bee Gees, ABBA, Shania Twain, and Maree’s fabulous tribute to the ‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin.

The Sweethearts of Song - Kathleen, Susie, Carolyn & Maree

The starting point for this event was the belabouring requests by many Sweethearts’ followers for yet another concert. Not such a difficult ask for we love what we do. The motivation to move on this was the idea of making it a fundraiser for a little school in the Czech Republic which has accommodated the needs of numbers of Ukrainian refugee children, then rallying a variety of willing performers and giving it the appropriate title ‘That’s What Friends Are For’.

The stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius once said ‘What stands in the way becomes the way’. That this event became the success that it did, overcoming hurdles with the support of so many good people is testament to his assertions. To our friends and supporters both on and off stage who have reminded us how great it feels to have good people by our sides we, the Sweethearts of Song, give our sincere thanks.

For the generous support of so many, we will be gifting $4080 to the Základní škola Milady Petřkové Velký Týnec in the Czech Republic.

By: Sue Walker