Harmony Creek Benefit for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

It is always heart-warming when young people wish to help other young people. That is exactly what Harmony Creek, a local Christian Contemporary group, is doing by holding a benefit concert with a "love offering" to benefit CASA of Southeast Missouri, Inc.

Harmony Creek is comprised of Kelsey Gjerstad, Hannah Rice, and Hannah Walker. They grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same church in Jackson, Missouri. Nothing has been able to pull their friendship apart. The three share a love of making music, and formed a group called Christians in Action at their church, New McKendree United Methodist, under the direction of Hannah Walker's mother, Julie. Several other singers came and went, but the three always stuck together, singing at worship services and other church functions, and finally benefit concerts for local Southeast Missouri agencies. In 2008, they changed their name to Harmony Creek, which is a tribute to their love of singing in harmony and their years spent exploring the creek that runs through their neighborhood. Though they now are attending three different universities, they have definitely maintained the passion to share the message of love and hope in Christ through music. Kelsey plays the acoustic guitar and Hannah Rice plays the piano/keyboard. Their goal is to share the life-changing love of God they have found with others, all while having a blast making music together.

The concert will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at New McKendree United Methodist Church, South Campus, 6;30 to 8 p.m.

Our goal is to have a wonderful concert and to raise much needed funds for the work done by CASA. CASA provides volunteer advocates from the community to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children while they are in the foster care system. We strive to make sure that these children have what they need and that they have a permanent and safe home as soon as is possible.

There are so many wonderful causes out there. By giving to CASA, however, you are supporting the children right within your own community and helping them to have hope for a brighter future.

If you would like to learn more about CASA or the concert, please go to www.capecasa.com or call 573-335-1726.