Photo by Amy Cherry Laura Antonelli, Giving Tree Concert organizer, is shown practicing at the organ in preparation of the upcoming concert being held at the Sacred Heart Church in St. Marys on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 7-9 p.m.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

A small group of local musicians and singers are joining together to host The Giving Tree Concert, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 28 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church on Center St. in St. Marys.

Among those scheduled to perform are Laura Antonelli, Mitchell Jerko, Lydia Gibson, Fr. Eric Vogt, O.S.B., Paul Fehrenbach and the trio of Sharon Leitzel, Joey and Annie Kepple.

“I’ve always envisioned doing a Christmas concert. This is a dream come true and I really appreciate so many people able to help out with it,” said concert organizer Antonelli. “The concert is a great family event and is a nice touch for people to give back to the community.”

Although the concert is a free event open to the public, free will donations are being accepted for The Giving Tree charity.

As part of the charity, Christmas trees are placed in each of the three Catholic parishes throughout St. Marys where parishioners and the general public are encouraged to take a tag off the tree. Tags include information about a specific youngster such as if they are a boy or girl, their age range and type of item requested, toy, clothing, etc. Newly purchased gifts are then placed under the tree, along with the chosen tag.

Antonelli began planning the event in mid-October. The idea for the concert came to her when she reflected on all the job loss in the area.

“Christmas is going to be really tough this year. There are going to be some sad kids on Christmas morning so thought why not try to get some extra money for charity,” Antonelli said.

She said The Giving Tree charity has always been near and dear to her. Before she was married Antonelli would take up to 10 tags from the tree, however that number has slightly decreased as she is now the mother of two daughters age 2 and 5. Since becoming a mother Antonelli said she takes tags in the age range of her children.

“I view it as helping one of my children’s friends,” she said.

Antonelli began her musical career in seventh grade taking piano lessons from Lynn Nicklas.

She started as an organist at Sacred Heart Parish in 1990 as an eighth grade student.

Her singing talents have come naturally as Antonelli has never taken voice lessons.

The concert is being held downstairs and include performances of “The Magic of Christmas Day”, “Breath of Heaven”, “Where Are You Christmas”, “A Baby Changes Everything”, and “You Raise Me Up”, all sung by Antonelli; “Mary, Did You Know?”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “When Mary Sang Her Lullaby” and “A Christmas Overture”, all sung by Mitchell Jerko; “The Prayer”, “American Lullaby”, “You Are Loved” and “Lullaby”, all sung by Lydia Gibson; “Ave Maria”, “O Holy Night” and “So This is Christmas”, all sung by Fr. Eric as well as several selections by Leitzel and the Kepple’s.

Following the concert a social is scheduled at the Sacred Heart Activity Center, located across the street from the church.