The Connecticut Choral Society (CCS), Trinity Episcopal Church and Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) recently celebrated the presentation of a donation representing funds raised during a recent CCS concert in Newtown.

Performed at Trinity Episcopal Church on June 10, “The Mass of the Children,” raised over $2,000 for NYFS. Organizers hope it was the first of what will become an annual event.

NYFS Executive Director Candice Bohr said she was “grateful … of the gift and for the partnership with Trinity and CCS.

“With the benefit concert, the hope is to increase support and participation from the community for this beautiful event,” she added.

Earlier this year, CCS Artistic Director and Conductor Eric Dale Knapp reached out to NYFS about being beneficiaries of the June concert with the goal of bringing an ensemble of musical pieces to the greater Newtown community that signify love, strength, and compassion for each other.

“It just made sense because of the close ties both CCS and NYFS have to Trinity Church in helping to support its community whether through music, spirituality, or mental health care and youth services,” Knapp said.

“Trinity Episcopal Church is a lovely venue to provide a concert and with its strong ties with the community, it was a natural fit,” he added. “We are grateful to the Reverend Andrea Castner Wyatt for opening her doors to CSS and giving us the opportunity to bring the healing power of music to Newtown.”

Newtown Youth & Family Services is the largest provider of youth support and mental health services in Newtown. For over 40 years NYFS has provided the greater Newtown community with high quality health and youth services that promote wellness and allow our youth and families to thrive. For more information visit newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org

An enduring landmark by the flagpole on Newtown’s Main Street, Trinity Episcopal Church is a beacon of hope, love and acceptance. Within its inspiring surroundings, Sunday worship includes all ages. Regardless of race, politics or circumstances, wherever you are in your journey of faith, all are truly welcome in this place.

Connecticut Choral Society has been dedicated to the performance of choral music of the highest artistic quality since its inception in 1980. Serving the communities of Southbury, Woodbury, and Newtown, the neighboring towns of western Connecticut, and beyond, the society seeks to stimulate greater appreciation and enjoyment of choral music, both for its singers and its audiences.

CCS is an organization of people united in their love of music and the joy in sharing that love with the greater communities to which they belong.