The Arts Foundation of St. Andrew (AFSA) will host a livestream-only benefit concert featuring local artists on North Texas Giving Tuesday Now, Tuesday, May 5 at 10 a.m., to benefit St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s mission partner, The Storehouse of Collin County. Launched in the fall of 2019, the Arts Foundation is dedicated to enriching spirituality through the power of the arts.
“With all that is happening related to the pandemic, we wanted to do something to help St. Andrew’s mission partner, The Storehouse of Collin County, as well as area artists struggling through this challenging time,” said Dr. Jonathan Gregoire, Arts Foundation Executive Director. “The Storehouse has seen more than a 100 percent increase in neighbors needing food and relies on funding to purchase items from the North Texas Food Bank. This telethon-style fundraiser is designed to help The Storehouse serve an increasing number of neighbors in need.”
Through this event, the Arts Foundation is financially supporting these St. Andrew collaborators and local artists performing in the following order: Imperial Brass; Chris Widomski, saxophone; Ladies Liberty Show Troupe; Yumiko Endo Schlaffer, harp; Kaylyn Wilson, soprano; Noah Bales, tenor; Michael Agnew, spoken word; Megan Koch, soprano; Lucik Aprahamian, mezzo-soprano; and Martha Walvoord, violin. Additionally, Krista Miller, a visual artist, will paint a custom piece live to be auctioned at the conclusion to also benefit The Storehouse.
To watch the concert or donate go to: https://www.standrewumc.org/arts/
In addition to Dr. Gregoire, event hosts include Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County; St. Andrew Senior Pastor Robert Hasley; and St. Andrew Senior Associate Pastor Arthur Jones.
“We so appreciate the initiative and creativity of the Arts Foundation of St. Andrew for coordinating this important and entertaining event to nourish our neighbors – both in body and spirit,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse. “What food banks and food pantries are experiencing now on a national level is unprecedented. During natural disasters and other emergencies, there is the option of relying on other areas for support, but during COVID-19, there is hunger everywhere, and people are hungry every day. We anticipate that even after the veil of Covid-19 is lifted, The Storehouse has reached a new normal of service that will continue for an undetermined period as families struggle to get back on their feet. This “echo crisis” will be evident among many nonprofits serving on the frontlines.”
The Arts Foundation offers a variety of concerts and special events throughout the year, supports local upcoming talent in the music community, and provides a discounted rate for area schools to utilize the sanctuary as a performance venue. In addition to performing, literary, and visual arts, the arts foundation promotes arts education and community arts. Visit https://www.standrewumc.org/arts or https://www.facebook.com/ArtsFoundationSA
“This idea has evolved into something so beautiful, and we encourage the community to join us in helping The Storehouse feed our neighbors in need,” added Gregoire. “Please remember that no gift is too small – just one dollar will provide three meals to a hungry North Texan.”
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Arts Foundation of St. Andrew (AFSA), created in 2019 to enrich spirituality through the power of the arts, offers a variety of concerts, special events, and programs throughout the year as well as scholarships. From music education efforts and community outreach, to the performing, visual, and language arts, the Arts Foundation inspires people of all ages. Additionally, the Arts Foundation provides a discounted rate for area schools to utilize the sanctuary as a performance venue. Visit https://www.standrewumc.org/arts or https://www.facebook.com/ArtsFoundationSA
The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for neighbors in one community, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, serving 1,000 families a month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, providing an average of 4,000 garments each month; and Project Hope, a mentoring program supporting women in crisis. The program first began in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. An estimated 130,000 people in Collin County live below the poverty level, more than half of which are children. In September 2018, The Storehouse received the North Texas Food Bank’s Partner Agency of the Year Excellence in Impact Award in recognition of its life changing services, meeting multiple needs for each family served. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333
St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.