By Coco Cornish, Online Arts Editor
// The annual Students for the Advancement of Global Education (SAGE) Benefit Concert showcased student talent while simultaneously raising funds for Trust in Education through ticket and baked good sales on Friday, May 4. Trust in Education is an organization that promotes education and has partnered with the Benefit Concert for the past eight years, providing sponsorships to boys and girls in Afghanistan.
This year the funds went to sponsor Saher, a teenage girl in Kabul, Afghanistan, who will be able to attend school for a full year with all of the necessary materials for only $660. Admission to the show was $5 for students and $7 for general admission. All funds were put toward Saher’s education, with excess funds going towards providing her with another year of education.
“It’s amazing to see so many students and parents turn out for such a good cause,” student performer Rachel Go said, “I’ve participated in this event for three years and it is definitely a highlight.”
By Claire Gallagher
Attendees were able to hear a presentation from the Trust in Education founder, Budd MacKenzie, who shared his experiences helping children gain access to education, as well as the story of Saher and her family. MacKenzie attends the event each year and works closely with the SAGE club to promote global education.
The show was put on entirely by students with help from faculty advisors Joseph Schottland and Brian Smith. Previously, the club was led by Bruce Downing, who founded and advised the Acalanes SAGE club for eight years before his retirement after the 2016-2017 school year. The event is entirely volunteer based, with students from SAGE Club working to raise money and students performers volunteering their time to create a successful show.
“Each year this event is put on by the SAGE Club student officers and we advertise using poster and flyers, but many students learn about the event through word of the mouth,” SAGE co-secretary Sasha Schtein said.
There were 13 student performances in the show, ranging from dance pieces and song covers to a stand-up comedy act and video. Student bands, choir groups and individuals gathered to do what they love while raising money for a good cause.
“My favorite thing about this event is that you get to experience a wide variety of student talents and you get to see all of the students that volunteer their time towards this,” four year SAGE Club member Caroline Kelly said.