In the Community

Vocal concert benefits local charities

Vocal Artistry, an outreach of the music program of First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, held the special concert “Free At Last!” recently to benefit two local charities. Led by artistic director Joseph Caulkins, the performance of the twenty- two- voice choir helped to raise $ 2,400 in donations that will support the work of Southwest Florida Addiction Services ( SWFAS), which helps those struggling with addictions and other problem behaviors, and After the Rain of Southwest Florida, Inc., which assists women who are recovering from addic- tions, homelessness, and domestic violence.

The songs performed were of hope, serenity, and transformation. “More than music,” Caulkins explained, “our goal was to inspire, entertain, enliven, and engage our minds, souls, and spirits through the power of music.” Along with music, the program included testimonials from individuals who are in recovery from substance abuse.

Impacting one in eight people in our community, “addiction is an equal- opportunity disorder,” said SWFAS’ s CEO, Kevin B. Lewis, “affecting young and old and all socio- eco- nomic groups.” Lewis offered hope as he added, “The good news is that with treatment, people can and do recover.”

For more information about Southwest Florida Addiction Services, visit swfas.org. For information about After the Rain of Southwest Florida, Inc., visit aftertherainswfla.com. n Dan Prowse Whicker is the executive managing editor for TOTI Media and a frequent contributor. A Florida native with degrees in business and theology, he is also a fiction writer based in South Fort Myers.

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