Joan Baez graces benefit
Legendary folk singer Joan Baez and award- winning soprano ensemble Bella Sorella will perform March 2 at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton to benefit the Peninsula College Fund ( PCF). PCF is a nonprofit organization that helps local low- income, underrepresented, first- generation college students to achieve their educational and career goals.
PCF provides students with a comprehensive program of four- year scholarships, one- to- one mentoring, college skills training and internship support. Since 2005, more than 95 percent of PCF scholars have graduated from college or attend college on the path to completion. The Peninsula College Fund has been designated a TopRated Non-profit of 2012 by Great-Nonprofits.
The primary purpose of the evening, according to PCF founder Charles Schmuck, is to raise funds for college scholarships. It is also essential that Peninsula College Fund raise overall awareness of how they are changing the lives of deserving young scholars who have aspirations of earning a college degree.
Renowned activist and celebrated artist Joan Baez has been promoting equality through her songs and actions for more than 50 years. “Supporting the Peninsula College Fund through participation in this event is consistent with my history of uniting music with humanitarian, environmental, and in this case educational, causes,” said Baez. “I am delighted to assist a local group so devoted to advancing opportunities for low- income, first- generation students.”
Bella Sorella will feature her singing sisters- in- law Nova and Susanna Jimenez, along with Joyce Lee ( violin) and Danielle Naler ( piano). This concert is particularly special to Nova and her husband, Tomas. They are raising money and awareness this one special night, and are also mentors to a Peninsula College Fund student who will graduate from UC Berkeley, this June.
“Our mentee is an amazing young woman who has worked incredibly hard to succeed, despite many obstacles.” said Nova Jimenez. “Mentoring her has been a joy, and now, the opportunity to give back to the Peninsula College Fund through our music is especially rewarding. Joan Baez is an icon, and we are honored to share the program with her.”
Before the concert, guests will be treated to a reception featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants along with a selection of regional wines. Retired Judge LaDoris H. Cordell, former Vice Provost, Stanford University; Francisco Jimenez, Professor at Santa Clara University; and Congresswoman Jackie Speier will serve as honorary chairs for the event.
This really is a once in a lifetime chance to mingle with educational innovators, enjoy the performances of music legends while directly benefiting worthy young scholars from the Mid- Peninsula — your neighbors — in their quest to graduate from college and achieve their educational and career goals.
The festivities begin a 6 p. m. with a reception followed by the concert. Tickets range from $ 125 to $ 1,000. They are on sale now but going very quickly. For tickets to this spectacular event, go to www.peninsulacollegefund.org.