Concept formulated by Kathé Lyth (2006 - 2017)

THE CONCEPT: The World Children's Concert Fund (for Children Survivors of Natural Catastrophes) will have as its primary goal, children helping children through music. The focus of WCCF members is to raise money through concerts presented by children for those children who are in extreme need following a natural catastrophe. After establishing membership with the WCCF, affiliates will pledge money made from their concerts and performances. The proceeds earned from each concert will go directly to the WCCF. Membership with the WCCF will promote the participation of children's choruses, youth orchestras and school music programs throughout the local vicinity of rural Humboldt County, throughout California, throughout the nation and eventually throughout the world .

The  WCCF originated as a result of several devastating natural catastrophes on our planet: tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, floods, fires and earthquakes. With hundreds and thousands of people often stranded, injured, homeless and in shock, global assistance is a necessity. Children may find themselves stranded with nowhere to go, alone and desperate. There are, of course, many service organizations helping to organize and assist those who find themselves in these horrific circumstances: The Red Cross, Unicef, Save the Children, to name a few. When one of these natural events takes place, there are no separate nationalities nor ethnic groups, nor religions nor races. There are neither the rich nor the poor. Human survival with immediate assistance is essential.

Many young people have a basic impulse to assist others in circumstances seemingly beyond our control. Classroom teachers, youth organizations and churches raise money, send supplies, and involve children in participating with the process of helping victims of natural catastrophes. Indeed, communities large and small, seek (and often succeed), to undertake whatever means possible to reach out to those in need.

Throughout my own life, I have always been and continue to be dedicated to children. For me, music is the bridge by which to help create world peace and to assist others. In 1978 I founded and continue to direct The Redwood Coast Children' Chorus in northern rural California. The Touring Chorus has traveled to several countries on World Harmony Tours beginning in 1989 to Soviet Russia. I believe that it is extremely important for children to participate in ways of creating peace and friendship with other children throughout the world. I also believe that children can make a difference within a creative organized process of assisting other children anywhere on this planet whose lives are endangered.

THE PROJECT - (local, national and international): The initial establishment of the WCCF is first and foremost. A core of individuals will meet on a regular basis, setting forth the planning process which will include a working budget, creating a detailed website (eventually in many languages), a Board of Directors and an ongoing newsletter. Membership to the WCCF may include already established music organizations such as NAME (National Association for Music Educators) and OAKE (Organization of Kodaly Music Educators). Direct communication will be made available to schools, choruses and orchestras emphasizing the importance and necessity of the WCCF. We must begin now. Global Warming as well as many other global conditions have increased the necessity for everyone to be prepared in case of a natural catastrophe, and to be ready to assist. The world's children helping children in need is an educational and artistic process, an expression of the trust we must have for the survival of the next generation and for many generations to come.

A local children's chorus consisting of musically motivated and self disciplined youth is in the process of forming. These chorus members will be members of The Redwood Coast Children's chorus and will be known as Tthe World Concert Children's Chrous

This Chorus will meet weekly and when musically ready, begin the process of performing for the public, raising the initial funds for the WCCF. School music programs and youth orchestras also have the opportunity of becoming members of the WCCF. Each school or organization pledges money earned for one or more concerts performed once or twice a year – with the the sole purpose of raising money for the WCCF.

There is no right or wrong way concerning the method of musical presentation: formal or informal, trained or untrained - the focus is always the same - children making music and raising funds for other children in need. Guidelines will be set forth by the Board of Directors for each school and organization. Updates and progress will be provided to members through news letters, through an established WCCF web-site or by other means. Members will receive information as to how much money the Foundation has obtained, the means by which it is safeguarded, how the monies will be distributed and to which world charity organization will see to it that these contributions go to those children in need.

Further, each school or children’s music organization will be listed as to the date when each fund-raising concert occurs. It is extremely important for representative schools, choruses or orchestras to contribute what they are able to: $5, $50, $500, or $ 5000. These initial presentations and concerts will provide for the Foundation a "nest egg" of funds in case a natural catastrophe occurs.

HOW AND WHEN: The WCCF will decide as to how the money will be used and how the money will be spent. Also, the Foundation must decide on the best ‘parent’ organization to accomplish the needs set forth, such as Save the Children. This process must be made public to all contributors. For example: a certain amount of money will be used for immediate medical assistance of children in an earthquake, or for clothes, food, water and shelter, or to airlift injured children from remote areas, etc.

IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL CATASTROPHE: Immediately following a natural disaster, an established hot line will be provided for all WCCF members, locally, nationally and internationally. Schools and music organizations act quickly, establishing fund-raising concerts and activities to present to their community. Any amount earned from each event or concert will be sent directly to the Foundation. ( A pre-established process of sending the money will have already been made.) If thousands of WCCF members follow though after a natural catastrophe, then many, many children's lives may be saved.

FINALLY ...It is extremely important for all those involved, to commit to our world children - that personal gain should and must be absent from this project. Natural catastrophes are beyond the scope of politics, war, self-interest groups, and human destruction. Nature has control over all of us at any time. As a world, we must be prepared to help. Children want to become involved and to give. It is through children and through their music and creativity that one of the most important aspects of life may be accomplished: children saving other children. Of course there will be difficulties and problems to solve along the way - both foreseen and unforeseen. Yet, through love and compassion, commitment and the belief in the future survival of our children, we can and must act now in forming The World Children's Concert Fund (for Children Survivors of Natural Catastrophes).

If you wish to help in the continued forming of the WCCF please  contact Kathé Lyth: (707) 499-3920

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