Don’t worry about making plans for this Sunday evening. Camp Wildcat already has you covered with a night in celebration of music, friends and a greater hope for Tucson’s youth.
That’s right; it’s Camp Wildcat’s Annual Benefit Concert. Held at the historic Club Congress in downtown Tucson, this event will not only ease you into the school week with some soulful tunes but will also leave you feeling good inside since all profits benefit a good cause.
A non-profit organization, Camp Wildcat is a student-run program that has been committed to improving the lives of Tucson’s disadvantaged youth since 1965.
As members of Camp Wildcat, UA students become mentors for elementary and middle school children attending Title I schools in the Tucson area. To qualify as a Title I school, 40 percent of the children enrolled must live beneath the poverty level. Sadly, according to the benefit concert’s director, Adria Brooks, in Tucson as many as 90 percent of children in Title I schools live in a state of poverty. Camp Wildcat provides support and opportunity for these children.
For instance, once a month, Camp Wildcat mentors take participants on weekend camping retreats that encourage children to have fun and explore a diverse range of topics through hands-on crafts and activities. Camp Wildcat mentors become positive role models and encourage their mentees to pursue their future aspirations. In turn, close interaction with university students also serves to inspire children to consider their educational futures.
“”Many of the children are never told that they may be able to continue their education or go to college,”” Brooks said. “”We are there to encourage them to pursue it if they so desire.””
The organization’s benefit concert on Sunday is just one step toward helping these children attain their goals. With 100 percent of the night’s proceeds going to the organization, Brooks hopes that the concert will raise enough funds to pay for at least one weekend camp retreat for the children.
“”We hold seven camps a year for the youth,”” Brooks said. “”And they cost between $2,000 to $3,000 each.”” Along with amenities, the money the concert raises will enable Camp Wildcat to provide three meals a day for participants — more than most eat at home — and help to supply arts and crafts and educational materials.
“”It’s through fundraisers like the concert that allow us to keep the camps cost free for the children and their families,”” Brooks said.
The concert itself will feature three local musical acts: Seashell Radio, Coyote Grace and Leila Lopez, all of whom will be contributing their time and talent on behalf of Camp Wildcat and Tucson’s disadvantaged youth.
The night’s performers are sure to entertain audiences with their unique musical stylings. Bringing a little acoustic-folk soul to the Club Congress stage, the Coyote Grace duo of Joe Stevens and Ingrid Elizabeth are not only known for their smooth melodies but also their funky mid-song dance moves. Seashell Radio is also ready to inspire a little love and hip swaying among the audience as they deliver their indie-poprock beats. Finally, Tucson native Leila Lopez will take the stage to woo listeners with her unique guitar picking style and lyrical poeticism.
Benefit a great cause and benefit yourself with a little fun and friendly music therapy.
