"Breath of Aire" Benefit Concert, June 14 at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church.

Come celebrate "14 on the 14th!" with internationally recognized choral group Breath of Aire, which is returning on June 14 for another benefit concert to celebrate the 14th anniversary of Terrific Tuesday Meals, a community feeding program sponsored by St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Renton, Wash. The choir, led by Dr. Bayard DuBois, comprises singers from across Washington state -- many of whom are college students -- and focuses on supporting charitable efforts and nonprofit organizations. DuBois says the group's mission is to "elevate, bless, and encourage," and that's evident in Breath of Aire's take on the inspirational music it presents.

Since 2010, volunteers from nearby churches have been preparing and serving hot meals to individuals and families in need. Every Tuesday, the team delivers meals to Vine Maple Place, which provides transitional housing for families; KentHOPE Women's and Children's Day Center; and "to go" dinners for the homeless in downtown Kent. And once each month, a sit-down dinner is served at St. Stephen's to those in need of a good meal and companionship. Over the past seven years, the program has fed more than 40,500 people, and while they began tracking statistics in 2017, program director Jeannine Koult estimates they served an equal number of guests during the first seven years of operation. The program also provides on a limited, as-available basis, basic clothing and hygiene items for its homeless guests.

Terrific Tuesday Meals began as a response to the ever-growing need for health-and-human services. The program relies on monetary and in-kind donations to sustain its operations, which requires planning and resourcefulness. Last year, program costs were nearly $13,000 or about $1.74 per meal.

The June 14 concert is FREE, although there will be a free-will offering to raise additional funds for the program.

To learn more about the Terrific Tuesday Meals program, visit the St. Stephen the Martyr website at www.ststephenlife.com. For more on Breath of Aire follow or like them on Facebook.

Category: Live Music | Concert