Thousands needed for youth choir trip

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne's Voices of Unity Youth Choir plans travel to China for the World Choir Games in one month. The group is $113,000 short of its fundraising goals established earlier this year.

“We are 75 percent there and we are excited because when you’re 75 percent there that means you’re 75 percent ready for China,” Choir Director Marshal White said.

The entire fundraising goal for the Voices of Unity is $470,000. The trip costs about $4,000 a person.

The money raised so far will cover flights, hotel stays and passports for the 80 singers, musicians and chaperones. The remaining money needed will be used for secondary expenses like meals.

“Just to see [people] give money to us is really heart changing,” 13-year-old choir member Jocelyn Redmond said. “There are some people out there that really care about us and really care about us representing their country.”

The choir is scheduled to fly on China on July 18. It is one of only four choirs in the country invited to compete in the games. The event is considered to be the “Olympics” of choir competitions. More than 400 choirs from more than 90 countries are expected to take part.

White told NewsChannel 15 that the next 30 days will be spent in a final fundraising push that will include events throughout the community.

To contribute, visit the Voice of Unity Youth Choir web site, by clicking here .