By Toma Lynn Smith

University of Louisville’s Chapter of UNICEF (The United Nations Children’s Fund) will be hosting what their president, law student Justin Clark, said he has never heard of any other college doing before.

This Saturday, Dec. 1, he and his members will be hosting the 2007 Concert for Peace featuring Guest Speaker Nick Clooney, an operatic performance by soprano Caroline Worra and conductor Scott Voyles, a U of L alumnus.

Clark said Kentuckian Clooney, a renowned journalist, activist and father of Oscar winning actor George Clooney did not hesitate to be a part of this event. His topic of discussion will be Darfur, Sudan, a violent infested region of Africa. Clooney along with his son have “given numerous presentations around the country in an attempt to raise awareness of the region’s complex political atmosphere and the effects of war on its people,” stated the U of L UNICEF press release.

Along with this Kentucky native will be Voyles, who will voluntarily be a part of the event. Voyles attended Indiana University for graduate studies and will be accompanied by another I U alumnus, 2006 Grammy nominated Worra.

They will be accompanied by the all-star Asyla ensemble, who will perform Gustav Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, arranged for Chamber Ensemble by Erwin Stein.

The location of St. Francis in the Fields in Prospect, Kentucky is about 20 to 30 miles from U of L. The organization is not being charged for using the space.

Clark said the church has a beautiful structure and “spectacular acoustics.” He added that being a part of UNICEF’s goal to help the disadvantaged of the world is something very special. “We are very lucky in this country.”

The UNICEF U of L members including junior communication major Roberto Felix and senior business management major Craig Smith have been putting this together since summer.

Clark said he has put in about 15 to 20 hours a week since then. Felix was responsible for getting the production of 500 tickets made. Felix said he is getting great experience by, “putting on a show like this.”

Smith stated via e-mail that, “The?opera concert is a good challenge?for?UNICEF?U of L to have.?It?has the potential to be a good event?that raises a lot of money for a good cause.” Clark said their goal is to raise over $10,000.

The group’s efforts are assisted by university and outside organizations including the Student Government Association, Student Activities Board and the United Nations Association.

In addition to this, Clooney is covering his expenses to attend this event. And Worra’s travel expenses are being paid at a reduced rate by the U of L organization.

In the past the group has been involved in a number of fundraisers. Last month for Halloween, they raised $2700 for medical and school supplies for children around the world. This was done with the help of children from four local elementary and middle schools.

While the kids did their trick and treating, they asked for donations with orange decorated boxes provided by U of L UNICEF. They raised more money than any other chapter in the nation.

“Membership entails joining a national initiative of like-minded college students focused on alleviating the plight of children throughout the developing world via fundraising, educating, and advocating,” is part of their mission statement.

With this event in Prospect, Clark said he hopes their members will continue to support those who are less fortunate.