VERO BEACH — World-renowned vocal artist Wintley Phipps presented a sold out concert at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening, Feb. 12.
Phipps, who is also an education activist, motivational speaker, and pastor, is CEO and founder of the U.S. Dream Academy.
Founded in 1998, the Academy serves children who are at risk of incarceration. It provides supportive mentoring and the use of technology in ten learning centers around the country.
Bette Walsh, event chair, reports that 400-plus tickets were sold, and more than $10,000 was raised to benefit the Academy.
“Rev. Phipps’ program was truly inspiring, not just because of his tremendous voice (vocal gold), but because he devotes his time and energy to helping children who are at risk, offering them skill building and tutoring, character building, and dream building,” said Dr. Tom Goetz, the church Music Director.
Members who helped make the concert a reality include Hilary Dobson and the ushers, Ken Burgess and the parking attendants, Joan Kay and the reception committee, Ambassador for Christ Ernie Schaaf, Paul Ives and the publicity committee, photographer Ann Faunce, audio-visual expertise headed by the Garretts, and all the ticket sellers.
As part of its mission to the community, First Presbyterian Church offers a series of musical events to the general public each year.
Upcoming concerts include performances by the Hope Chapel Choir of Holland, Michigan, on March 18 at 7 p.m., Ashes to Fire: A Musical Worship Service by the Chancel Choir and Orchestra on March 25 at the 9 and 11 a.m. services, and the Eckerd College Choir of St. Petersburg, Florida, on April 22 at the 9 and 11 a.m. services.
Concerts are free to the public. A free will offering will be received.
The First Presbyterian Church is located at 520 Royal Palm Blvd. at the corner of Indian River and Royal Palm Blvds.
Dr. G. Timothy Womack is Senior Pastor, and Dr. Tom N. Harris IV is Associate Pastor.
More information is available at (772) 562-9088 and http://www.FirstPresVero.org.
