Voices of all ages and abilities rang out on Friday as the first Voices of Hope took place. Eastview's Women’s Chorale came up with the idea as a means of using their talent to battle cancer. Together they worked to fill the Performing Arts Center with both singers and members of the community from 8 in the morning until 12 that night. Performances were made by everyone from Eastview's most gifted singers to world language students who mumbled their way through their Spanish and Japanese songs.
Eastview’s Women’s Chorale vocalist Olivia Erickson stated, “The event was so meaningful to the Women’s Chorale because all of us are in some way connected to someone with cancer.”
It was the impact of watching their friends or members of their families fight to beat cancer, and even more so the pain of watching some lose, that inspired these girls to fight against cancer in their own way; through their voices.
The event was planned with the idea of only raising money for Hannah Skalbeck's mom who is currently fighting against cancer. In doing so, cancer awareness was brought not only to Eastview, but the entirety of the community. Middle schools performed along with Eastview alumni, including students who are now pursuing careers in the performing arts. Professional singers from around the state also attended and performed at the event. The audience was filled with students during the school day, and the community at night.
In the end Voices of Hope had the effect of bringing together the community for a day while also raising money and awareness.