You Can Make A Difference

The Starfish Story
by Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”
I made a difference for that one.”

 

At the Gilbert High School on Saturday May 29th 2010 twelve youth finalists competed so they could make a difference. "Hope for the Children"  benefit concert featured young ladies and gentlemen from ages twelve to 25 vying for the honor to be Junior and Senior Ambassador for Hope for the Children for this coming year. 

The program was opened by the shows producer, Kirsten Millsap singing "My Name is Hope" a song she wrote for her adopted daughter. The music was arranged by William Joseph and Kirsten was accompanied by several children who have been orphans but are now successfully placed with families, including her own daughter Gabbi. 

 The Belchoir Children were participants in Kirsten's number and also performed and spoke to the audience after a short video Presentation telling about their heart rending story in Mozambique.  They introduced Sharon Slater, President of Family Watch International and founder of "Families for Orphans" who explained the "Seven Days of Nothing" program. 

The Gilbert High School Choir sang one of my personal favorite songs: "Prayer of the Children" - music and lyrics by Kurt Bestor. Dr. Marcy Spencer led the teens who were already out of school and graduated and came back voluntarily to practice and perform for this event. One of the students provided the sign language version.

American Idol Brooke White donated her talent, time and services. She gave a wonderful headline performance as well as serving as the chief on the panel of Judges. The other judges were Andy Biggs, William Joseph, Cameron Trejo and Brian Trotter.

Anna Collins was chosen to be the Junior Ambassador. She wrote the music and lyrics for "As Strong as You" and then sang and accompanied herself on guitar. Cody Darr performed his version of John Lennon's "Imagine" and accompanied himself on the piano. He was chosen Senior Ambassador. Gilbert Mayor John Lewis who announced each youth finalist prior to their song said that the panel told him that each performer had the talent to be chosen Ambassador. Their decision was based on the emotional appeal of the performer and performance given this evening. His quote was that all of this was worth it and more if we could help at least one child.