VIDEO: Christine White Scholarship Benefit Concert

In a candle lit 1806 stone church  family, friends and strangers gathered for an evening concert to benefit the Christine H. White Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Wyckoff native Christine  “Chrissie” White was a vibrant instructor at Eastern Christian High School when she suffered a fatal epileptic seizure on her 29^th birthday on March 10, 2010.

Performers, some dressed in purple, Chrissie’s favorite color, entertained over 100 attendees with songs and stories to capture the outgoing, compassionate and spiritual woman.  “The color purple in the rainbow represents the spirit,” said master of ceremonies Justin Ward “I don’t know if Chrissie chose the color or the color chose her.”  

Juilliard trained violinist, Dawn Wang began the program playing Bach’s Violin Sonata in G Minor. Broadway standout Matthew LaBanca ‘s (Young Frankenstein, White Christmas) powerful voice vibrated Wyckoff Reformed Church with a rendition of Up on a Roof.  The talented singer entertained the audience with nine other selections including an audience sing-a-long to Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music, Chrissie’s favorite show.

Tributes and remembrances were intertwined between performances.  Eastern Christian student Paige Rainville remembered her as a friend who led prayer group for the students.  “She was genuinely kind ... you can tell she was sincere when she asked you how you were.” she reflected.

Ramapo High School students Ian Brady, Dylan Hartigan and Alexandra Levy performed songs in honor of White.  “She cared about everyone, she was loving and non-judgmental and her family is the  salt of the earth people.” reflected Denise Colaneri a close family friend.

 Family friend Icilin Senior performed His Eye is on the Sparrow before Walter “Wally” White gave a candid and uplifting tribute to his daughter.  Wally spoke of his daughter enrolling in a class on beekeeping in her final semester at Cornell.  Little did he realize the bumble bee would play a significant role in the healing process.  

“My wife prayed for a sign that Chrissie was ok after she passed.  Soon we saw a bumble bee in the middle of winter.  Bumbee bees have been spotted by many friends and family since then and  we know it is Chrissie’s way of letting us know all is well,” shared White.

Donations collected at the concert will help fund  a scholarship at Ramapo and Eastern Christian High Schools in Christine’s memory.  “Christine had a deep impact on the lives of her students and continues to be missed.” said Ruth Kuder, interim principal Eastern Christian High School.

“Chrissie believed in the power of community and reaching out to friends and strangers alike.” offered honorary White brother Justin Ward.  Last night it seemed the community agreed and the light of Christine White.

 Donations can be made to:

Christine H. White Memorial Scholarship Fund

Wyckoff Reformed Church

580 Wyckoff Ave

Wyckoff NJ 07481

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