Music, dance and student talent was full at Leffler Chapel on Feb. 21 as Elizabethtown College’s Education Organization hosted a benefit concert to support the Joshua Group, a Harrisburg-based nonprofit that works with children and families facing educational and social challenges.
The Joshua Group partners with schools, families and communities in the Harrisburg area to provide support for children who may need extra academic help, mentorship and advocacy. Their work focuses on strengthening relationships between students, caregivers and educators to create more stable and supportive learning environments.
The concert brought together campus performance groups and community supporters for a night of entertainment with a purpose. Proceeds from the event totaled $1,300, which will go directly to the Joshua Group to support its programs.
Senior Emily Witmer, an early childhood education major with dual certification in special education and co-president of the Education Organization, opened the night by sharing that all donations would benefit the organization. She said she was most excited about “raising money for a great cause.”
Throughout the evening, students and families filled the chapel to watch performances from the Etown College Dance Team, Emotion, the Etown Theatre Club, Vocalign, Melica and Phalanx. Each group brought a different style to the stage, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged.
Faculty members also helped make the night possible. Dr. Kevin Peters, assistant teaching professor of education, and Lena Poff, director of education field experiences, assisted with organizing raffle tickets for gift baskets, encouraging attendees to support the fundraiser in small but meaningful ways.
The benefit concert offered students a chance to unwind during a busy point in the semester. Clare Jakubowski, a senior occupational therapy major, said the event provided a welcome break.
“This was a nice time to relax before the midterm,” Jakubowski said.
Caleb Frymoyer, a sophomore early childhood education major with a human services minor and secretary of the Education Organization, announced the final total at the end of the night.
“I am excited to work with the Joshua Group for the first time,” Frymoyer said.
For members of the Education Organization, the concert was about more than raising money. It was a way to connect their future careers in education and human services with real community needs. Organizers said they hope to continue partnering with the Joshua Group through service opportunities and future events.
