Kids Kampaigning for Kids

Last Sunday, the Music and Dance Medley of the Friends Enrichment Program (FEP) showed how many musical avenues can be explored and performed while raising funds for financially disadvantaged area children.

The medley showcased nearly 30 dancers, singers and instrumentalists from 5 years old through adolescence during a presentation at The young artists—from MFS, the FEP youth group and, members and alumni of the —performed short pieces in a diverse and inventive concert.

“Though we don’t charge admission, we solicit and accept donations, while keeping in mind that no donation is too large or too small,” said Monique Begg, an organizer of the event.

By not charging admission, no one is excluded, and all families are welcome and can attend; but donations are clearly needed.

The FEP, in its 15th year, functions under the tutelage of the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Friends' Monthly Meeting and provides full and partial scholarships for children to attend day or residential summer camps, enroll in sporting clinics or pursue art and music.

Since its inauguration, the FEP has gifted "more than 225 children with scholarships," according to Begg.

Opening the show was Justin Trent-Nugent, 11, a fifth-grade student at the , who played his own composition, “Noise is Platinum,” a short percussion piece.

A soulful, praise-dancing rendition followed under the direction of Désirée Williams, 15, a freshman at and a recipient of a FEP scholarship. Ten girls aged 5 through high school swayed to angelic voices.

Williams was also one of four counselors honored at the event for their outstanding on-site leadership roles during the school year.  

“Each leader could have been doing something else on Sunday afternoons,” said Begg. “But instead, they spend their afternoons here, week after week, working on their projects and guiding in the organization.”

The other leaders honored with commendations were: Ashley Cartwright, 15, a sophomore and Alicia Hutchinson, 14, a freshman, both of MFS. Alex Harbet, 18, a senior at MHS and a FEP recipient, who studies voice at was also honored.  

FEP pays 20 percent of the costs for each FEP student’s tuition at Perkins, while 80 percent is paid from the Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation. The foundation was created in 1983 by the late Charlotte V. Bergen, of Bernadsville, Somerset County, a musician and the namesakes' only daughter.

This year the foundation awarded Perkins a $10,000 grant that enabled 15 FEP students to receive vocal and musical lessons, who otherwise would not have been able to afford the tuition.

“In the past, the foundation only awarded $5,000,” said Begg. “Because of the larger amount, we were able to send more students for lessons.”

Another performer was Alfonso Gonzalez, 14, a freshman at Burlington City High School. Gonzalez, who plays trumpet in his school jazz band, is a five-time national winner of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. He has also won a gold seal for his piano performances  from the South Jersey Music Teachers’ Association  and received high honors from the 2010 New Jersey Music Teachers’ Association.

Gonzalez played a difficult piano score titled  “Puck" by Edvard Grieg.

Accompanied by voice teacher, Heather Caporaso, Jozi Hardee, 16, a junior at MHS, sang “For Good” from the musical Wicked. Hardee also sings with the concert choir of MHS.

The event raised $537, which will send one student for two weeks to the Camp Worth in Medford, or one student for one week to Camp Haluwasa in Hammonton.

The two-hour show ended with light refreshments and snacks made
by FEP participants.

“This is only one of our yearly fundraisers,” said Begg. “We are proud of our students’ accomplishments, and we hope we can continue to offer opportunities for area youths.”