The Musicathon brings to the fore the Handmaids’ penchant for singing. With sheer courage matching their harnessed or unharnessed talents, the members of the Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) in Greater Vancouver have pushed the envelopes in fun and fellowship to build homes for the poor and for Child Sponsorship thru ANCOP.
Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) is a Christian renewal and support ministry of Couples for Christ for mature women regardless of status, or situation, from ages forty-one (41) and above. They could be single mothers, widows, separated or divorced, single mature women, migrant workers, women in prison, or married women whose husband work in another country or unable/not willing to participate in any religious affiliation. One of HOLD’s goals is to develop the Handmaids’ heart for a committed service in bringing glad tidings to the poor.
The Musicathon’s showcase of talents stepped up June 1, 2014 at the OLGC parish gym in Surrey when a band on parade with the majorettes and their batons showed up on stage – oh yes, the handmaids could twirl the batons too! The original Karaoke event has gone past the microphone and has evolved into a mini artsy production that has raised $42,000 to date to benefit ANCOP.
The Musicathon was conceived 10 years ago as HOLD’s creative and fun way to raise funds for CFC ANCOP. HOLD members gather in fellowship and bring in their donations to support ANCOP, specifically to raise funds for the college education of poor and deserving children. Most HOLD members are Filipinos, and being basically music lovers, the Musicathon was aptly organized for them to showcase their musicality and singing talents while raising funds to help uplift lives of the poor.
Every year in June, the HOLD members gather for the Musicathon. A registration table is set up at the entrance of the venue where members fill out a form with their name, address and the amount of their pledge. A Musicathon ticket is awarded to those who pledge a minimum of $60 or $5 per month. Those who donate $100 or more get a raffle ticket, in addition to the Musicathon ticket, that will entitle them to a prize or gift. Each song performance generates at least $60. Some sing as a group while others opt to perform a song and dance number.
The Musicathon has continued to be successful since it started. To further raise funds, food is up for sale and proceeds covered for the cost of venue and other miscellaneous expenses. The event usually lasts 6 hours where the Handmaids fellowship with one another inspired by a common purpose – to help the poor!
Note: Nody Boongaling is the HOLD Coordinator for Greater Vancouver. She can be reached atnodyb03@yahoo.ca
