Concert to raise funds for children around world

Children around the world need our help.

This is the main mission of Orem-based Mothers Without Borders, a charitable organization that provides resources for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world.

To raise funds for this cause, Karyn Bunnell is producing the second annual African Sunrise Concert, which will be held Aug. 29 at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

The concert will benefit Mothers Without Borders, which was founded by Kathy Headlee Miner.

"Two years ago I was in a concert and met Kathy's sister," Bunnell said. "And at that point I was taking on a community project through a class I was taking and Mothers Without Borders just spoke to my heart.

"I've always loved Africa, children, and because I have been in a concert and know people, I thought maybe the best way I could help is to create a (benefit) concert."

Last year's concert featured headliners Jericho Road, and the Golden Voices Gospel Ensemble. Steven Kapp Perry hosted.

Bunnell worked on organizing the concert for three months before she contacted Miner.

"I was very touched because Karyn didn't even know me," Miner said. "She didn't know us. She'd never been to Africa and she hadn't met the children. And it's always a real confirmation of the goodness of people."

The concert brought in more than $13,000, even with just 150 people in the audience. In addition, Miner passed around some baskets during intermission and asked people to give whatever they feel, even if it was a dime.

They ended up raising an additional $2,000.

"A good thing doesn't cost a lot," she said. "But if we pull our resources, we can do a lot."

This year, the goal of the African Sunrise Concert is to raise $35,000.

The concert, hosted by Jericho Road's Abe Mills, will feature Cherie Call, Nancy Hanson, Cori Connors and Studio A Children's Choir, an internationally acclaimed group comprised of singers representing 17 countries from around the world.

Bunnell said it took only one phone call to set this year's lineup.

"We made a phone call to Nancy and she started the ball rolling," Bunnell said. "And we made another phone call and somehow we found the choir."

Bunnell said all the performers are donating their time and efforts.