Sunday Concert at North Farmington Benefits Habitat for Humanity

A special benefit concert held today at North Farmington High School will raise funds and awareness for an organization that helps low-income families find stable housing. 

The Madrigal Chorale (MCS) performs with the North Farmington High and Detroit Country Day School choirs at 5 p.m., to benefit Habitat for Humanity. A free-will offering will be taken for the organization, and Brad Irwin, Habitat's director of partnerships, plans to speak. 

"I'm hopeful that we'll have a Habitat for Humanity homeowner," he said. "That's the real story ... I think it will make a bigger impression on the audience than anything I can say." 

Habitat for Humanity Oakland County has targeted a fundraising goal of $2.5 million this year, money that comes from individuals, faith groups and other organizations. 

"We need both financial aid and volunteer support for the projects we undertake in the county," said Kim Howard, Habitat's manager of partnerships. About 1,500 pairs of hands are needed for Habitat's projects this year, she said. All of this year's projects involve rehabilitating existing homes and bringing them to Michigan Green Building standards. 

"They're all very energy efficient," she said. "That lowers the cost to the homeowner." 

During the Sunday concert, choirs will perform diverse selections programmed by Robert A. Martin, long-time MCS artistic director, and Ronald R. Weiler II, director of the Detroit Country Day School Choirs. North Farmington High School choirs will perform under the direction of Sheri E. Jaffurs.