La Porte High School students will be performing in a benefit concert on Thursday, June 10, to help a local family whose home was recently destroyed by fire and water damage. The concert, which will benefit the family of Jeff and Patti McDaniel, will be held at 7 p.m. at Bayshore Baptist Church, 11315 Spencer Highway in La Porte.
The McDaniel family-which includes 11 children ranging in age from two to 18 years-was unable to recover any personal belongings, clothing or furniture as a result of the fire on May 23. When La Porte High School students and staff heard about the family's situation, they decided to plan the benefit concert to help provide new clothing, groceries and monetary donations.
"The McDaniel family opened their doors through adoption to many of their kids, and several of them are also youngsters with special needs," said Dr. Geoff Carlton, LPHS orchestra director. :After hearing about the plight of this very special group of kids and two incredible adults, it became obvious to concerned La Porte ISD school staff and many caring students that help in any fashion was greatly needed."
Kathy Kimball, American Sign Language teacher at LPHS, first suggested that a benefit concert-- similar to the one held to help students in need after Hurricane Ike-might be the fastest way to help the family. Directors of the LPHS Band, Choir and Orchestra all agreed, and once again, planned a benefit concert to unite for a good cause.
"They lost everything, and what money they received from insurance is going to keep them in a rent house for the time being," Kimball said.
Dr. Mark Redd, pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church, offered the church for the concert and will oversee the distribution of donations. Cash or checks will be accepted. Redd indicated that checks should be written to Bayshore Baptist Church with "McDaniel Family Fund" noted in the memo section.
Donations of new clothing only will also be accepted at the concert. Sizes needed include the following:
Boys' size 4T or 4 (two children)
Boys' size 5
Boys' size 10-12
Girls' size 10-12
Women's size extra-large shirt, size 17 pants
Women's size extra-large shirt, size 13 pants
Women's size medium shirt, size 6 pants
Men's size large shirt, size 34 shorts/pants
Men's size small shirt, size 28 shorts/pants
Men's size medium shirt, size 30 shorts/pants (two children)
Questions regarding donations should be directed to Dr. Redd at 281-471-0332 or mbredd@bayshorebc.org.
The LPHS Bridging Hearts group will perform special presentations to the music "When You Believe," "God and Time" and "Hero." Most of the American Sign Language students will be featured in solos to the music, which is choreographed using sign language by the students and Kathy Kimball.
The LPHS Orchestra will perform music featuring students from both the junior varsity and varsity orchestras. The orchestra will rehearse at the LPHS orchestra room on Thursday, June 10, at 4 p.m. before transporting equipment and stands to Bayshore Baptist Church.
Carlton noted that students should bring their instruments and wire music stands to rehearsal. Dress for the concert will be the black orchestra T-shirt and blue jeans. Students will need to provide their own transportation.
The Bulldog Marching Band will perform the LPHS Fight Song, "Eye of the Tiger" and the LPHS School Song,. For students who will be performing, Poe noted that the band room will be open between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for students to pick up their instruments and music. Percussionists will load at 6 p.m., and all students will meet at Bayshore Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m.
Soloists from the La Porte High School Choir, under the direction of Sandra Strickhouser, also will be performing. Members of the National Honor Society will assist church members in taking donations and clothing at the door.
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