Hello, friends-

Last year we wrote to you pointing out an Ithaca Journal article highlighting the increased burden on food pantries in our community. Last year, Tompkins County saw an 30% increase in demand for these vital services, with half of all food distributed to the elderly. This year has seen another 25% increase in demand on top of that. Obviously, our help is needed more than ever.

So we’re happy to be returning to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Slaterville Springs for our 3rd annual holiday benefit concert to help support the efforts of St. Thomas and the Caroline Food Pantry. 100% of your donation, as well as a portion of our profits for the evening’s CD sales, will go directly to the Food Pantry.

The concert will feature music from our Christmas CD, Duo Seraphim and from our latest recording, some new arrangements for lute and voice of music from many traditions, as well as one or two surprises. Those of you who have been with us in past years know what an exceptional space St. Thomas is for this intimate music, and if you haven’t seen the the newly restored stained glass windows in this National Historic Register building, this would be an excellent opportunity. The sanctuary will be decorated for Christmas, and our wonderful hosts Cullie and Polly Mowers are notorious for providing a splendid array of wine and cheese for our after-concert delectation.

Remember, you can painlessly multiply your contribution by bringing a friend - or several! We hope you’ll join us in supporting this important work as generously as you can, while treating yourself to a peaceful and reflective antidote to the holiday madness.

Mignarda lute song duo presents
Duo Seraphim: a benefit for the Caroline Food Pantry
Wednesday, December 22nd at 7:30pm
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
2720 Slaterville Road (RT79) in Slaterville Springs, New York
(15 minutes from Ithaca Commons)
Admission: free-will donation to the Caroline Food Pantry

Details and directions at www.mignarda.com/concerts.html

Hope to see you next week -

all the best,
Ron & Donna

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Ron Andrico & Donna Stewart
Mignarda lute song duo
www.mignarda.com