The 27th Annual Mercy Benefit Concert was hosted by Xanadu and The Collective at Walt Whitman High School, showcasing our district’s talented musicians and artists all for a good cause. This year, every ticket purchased for this concert benefits Community Solidarity. Thanks to an abounding crowd and generous donations, we were able to raise over $3,000 for the charitable organization.
The annual concert was held in Whitman’s South Cafeteria with a line up featuring music by our students and staff. Each act brought a unique energy to the stage. From original music to covers and EDM to poetry reading, the night offered something for everyone to enjoy. Year after year, this event truly showcases the creative talent and originality of those students and staff who take to the stage.
“Thank you for always participating and supporting such a wonderful and productive and purposeful event,” expressed WWHS English teacher and Xanadu advisor, Joe Pipolo, the man behind the annual event. “Creation is Activism… I will believe this and pursue it forever. There is plenty of evidence that it is true.”
This year's beneficiary, Community Solidarity, is a Long Island-focused food source organization that has one of its primary distribution centers in Huntington Station. The mission of this organization is more than a nonprofit or grassroots movement. Community Solidarity describes itself as a philosophy. A philosophy based on the belief that empowered, compassionate communities can heal themselves and in doing so create the blueprint for greater social change. They provide groceries, fresh produce and warm vegan meals to low-income communities. All the food they distribute is completely vegetarian and mostly organic. They collect clothing, books, toiletries, and toys for redistribution as well. They organize guerrilla gardening programs that range from blanketing neighborhoods with sunflowers to providing families with peach trees. Visit their site and see the good soulful work these folks have been doing for a very long time: communitysolidarity.org
Congratulations and thank you to all of the talented musicians, poets, and performers who put on an incredible show!
The man behind the annual event, Mr. Pipolo, welcomed everyone to the concert in benefit of Community Solidarity.
Weather forecasts moved the concert indoors, but the show and the turn out were still incredible!
Chris Macaluso and Co. were the first band performing for the night with a few jazz tunes.
Senior Sarah Cruz shared a number of original poetry between musical acts.
It's always a great time seeing Whitman's teachers and administrators share the stage for a few tunes.
Senior Addie Balogun received a standing ovation for her performances with Middle Ground.