A brief history of “Heart & Soul,” a concert offered to give “Thanks for the Giving.”

One day in 1999 I approached Don Drake, then the Executive Director of the Whatcom Community Foundation, with the idea of joining with the Kulshan Chorus to create a “really big” Foundation celebration, an event that would reach beyond the internal workings of the Foundation and reach out to honor the immense amount of philanthropy annually provided by citizens of Whatcom County. Tom Hunter, storyteller, musician and minister, volunteered to become the Foundation liaison for creating such an event.

Throughout the ensuing year I got to know Tom as we brainstormed to decide what form such an event would take. From the outset it was apparent that we should find a way to personally contact the many individuals within Whatcom County who were known for their philanthropy, and, equally important, invite as many people as possible from among the unrecognized thousands who regularly offer gifts of time, labor, love, care-giving, money or donations – be it to local charities, organizations, or for a family member or for a friend. This would take a considerable amount of time and resources.

Our task next turned to clearly and accurately describing philanthropy. We decided that through the use of a variety of exemplary, exciting and heart-felt “stories” it would be possible to convey and characterize the “breadth and depth” AND the “heart and soul” of “giving.” It quickly became apparent to me that Tom would be an ideal “story-teller.” He often began a planning session by saying, “did I mention that Mrs.___ was helping her disabled dad to…...” or did I tell you about the little boy who, with his own hands, helped turn around his entire community by……” and would often end by saying, “….and we’re all better off, for this “giving.”

Thus grew the idea of “Heart & Soul,” a program of music, storytelling and visuals to offer “Thanks For the Giving.”

The organizing team added members, to cover the many tasks ahead, and began planning a grand concert to be held at the Mt. Baker Theatre. To offset costs, The Community Foundation diverted funds from its annual celebration. The Community Food Coop – consistently supportive of community networking – provided a substantial grant, the Mayor of Bellingham was able to offset the costs of the Mt. Baker Theatre, and hours of time were donated by advertising agencies, the news media and project organizers.

On October 6, 2001, the Kulshan Chorus joined with local R&B band, The Atlantics, storyteller Tom Hunter, and visuals artist, Steve Satuchek, to perform in concert before an audience estimated at 1,300 citizens of Bellingham and Whatcom County…. a free concert…..an event designed to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that their “giving” was immense, and extremely appreciated – though, perhaps, often overlooked. As Tom pointed out again and again in that concert, “we are thankful for the giving, in the myriad of ways – so that our lives, together, around here, can be stronger.”

Tom passed away on June 8, last year. On April 25 and 26, 2009, we would like to share a concert with you ….a concert in tribute to Tom Hunter… a concert about giving, about caring…about “Heart & Soul.” That’s what Tom was all about.

Roger Griffith, Musical Director, Kulshan Chorus