Concert Raises $1,835 for Sudan Relief

A stirring concert held Friday evening at the Gettysburg Seminary chapel lifted spirits and raised much-needed funds for Sudan aid. The “Don’t Let Them Starve” fundraiser, organized in response to the ongoing crisis, brought together a diverse array of local and regional musicians, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 50 community members.

Hosted by Rev. Martin Otto-Zimmann, the interfaith event featured performances by a talented lineup including piano and violin duo Cathy and Dale Elkiss; Venona Detrick of the York Symphony Orchestra accompanied by Joe Detrick on guitar and voice; violinist Kendra Jones Mabon; guitarist Mark Terwilliger; and local hammered dulcimer specialist Tom Jolin. In his opening remarks, Rev. Otto-Zimmann urged the audience to “don’t let them steal your joy” and spoke of the opportunity to “give until it stops hurting,” setting a tone of hope and solidarity.

The evening underscored unity among faith communities, with attendees representing Evangelical Lutheran, Church of the Brethren, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Quaker, Unitarian, and United Methodist traditions. The program concluded with a moving benediction led by Joseph Levenstein—reciting words from Numbers 6 in Hebrew—followed by an Arabic blessing sung by Rev. Otto-Zimmann.

By the end of the night, donations totaled $1,835, providing significant support for organizations like Oxfam America and Lutheran World Relief, which continue to collect contributions online. Organizers have invited further donations to be tallied in the final count, emphasizing that every gift counts in the effort to bring aid to those in need in Sudan.