By Sarina Dayal
MacKenzie Sheppard (’14) hosted a benefit concert for the Spondylitis Association of America at the Shoreline Church May 29.
Sheppard began working on the project when her younger sister, DeLaney Sheppard, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease in which the joints of the spine fuse together, restricting mobility.
“I just knew I wanted to do something for my sister, and since music is my passion, I decided to ask my choir friends to sing for a concert,” she said.
Sheppard single-handedly put together the event by organizing the performance lineup, finding a venue, and publicizing the show.
The only problem with organizing the event was getting people to practice the music and finding rehearsal time that worked well with everyone.
“It was very difficult but I had to trust that the people I chose would look at the music on their own and pull through,” Sheppard stated. “Luckily I have amazing friends and they all helped make this amazing experience as wonderful as it was!”
Kate Granada (‘13) performed Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up” with her sister. Christina Choate (’14), Breanna Wilson (’13), and Alex-Quan Pham (’14) were also some of the few that sang in the concert.
“It was truly inspiring,” said attendee Max Chern (’13). “All of the performers were amazing and it was a very emotional night. It is incredible that MacKenzie was able to organize such a huge event.”
The event ended up raising over $4,000 dollars. “People were pouring into the church,” she said. “It astonishes me how giving people in this world are, I was just overjoyed knowing that the concert was a success!”
