The event raised nearly £800 for the earthquake appeal and was held at St Andrew’s church hall in Roath, Cardiff, on Saturday, March the fourth with a variety of performances.
Cardiff Theatre Café held the fundraiser concert to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Cymru and the money will go direct to the frontline to help the people involved with the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Thousands of people have died, and more than one and a half million people have been left homeless or in freezing conditions, following the devastating earthquake.
The Disasters Emergency Committee launched a public appeal to help those affected and raised more than £60 million within the first three days, the money raised from the evening will go directly to them and will be a massive help to provide food, water and shelter.
Nathan Wyburn, who founded Cardiff Theatre Café and organised the show, said: “We have raised nearly £800 for DEC Cymru and that money will go direct to the frontline to help the people involved with the earthquake. This money is going to go a long way and every little helps, so we are really proud and really pleased that we have managed to do this here where people have been so generous.”
The evening showcased talents of local singers and performers with refreshments sold, a raffle, and donation buckets with all of the proceeds going directly to DEC. There were about 50 people in attendance with entry costing five pounds. Everyone donated generously and many participated in the raffle or bought a hot drink. Raffle prizes were donated by members of the local community.
St Andrew’s church hosts regular fundraisers to help people in the community and beyond and for this event there were a range of performances with variety including ones from Cardiff Theatre Café founders Sophie Baker, Ivan Jenkins-Jones and Nathan Wyburn.
Along with local musicians Amelia Frances, Drew Thompson-Bestwick, Travis Smith, Zoey Allen and regular supporters Maisie Bryant, Ben Joseph Smith. The voice Kids finalists Gracie Jayne, Lacey LB plus Studio 54 presents “Six” from the hit musical. All of whom donated their time and effort to perform for free.
Ben Joseph who is an actor and performer sang and spoke at the show and said: “We are here today because we realised that music is important and we can help from here, today we can be the helpers. Anything counts and is better than nothing, that is the plan.”
The event certainly went to plan, and they raised a significant amount for the appeal with people supporting and donating to help aid those in need. The mood was reflective and sombre but everyone came together for a good cause and had fun with some laughter and humour mixed into the atmosphere.