Local teen hosting benefit concert to raise money for water wells

SAINT JOSEPH, Mich.-One Michiana teen is hoping to spark change in her community and beyond. She’s hoping to tackle a crisis that affects millions of people worldwide.

15-year old Leah Terry, from Saint Joseph, Michigan, started her own program called “Art for Africa” in 2013.

The program is dedicated to providing clean water wells in communities in Africa through performing and creative arts.

“In fourth grade, I read a book “A Long Walk to Water” and I was inspired to do something about the water crisis,” Terry said.

Shortly after she started the organization, Leah was awarded a $500 grant from Youth Service America. She was able to put that money towards two art shows in 2014. The shows raised more than $5,000 and it went towards building a water well in Zambia. 

This year, Leah was one of 340 young leaders across the country awarded a $500 grant through Disney Summer of Service. The money will support a benefit concert taking place Friday evening in the Saint Joseph High School Auditorium.

“It’s a bunch of youth from the area performing,” Terry said.

Dancers from local studios, poetry reading, singers, ukulele players and other performances will take place throughout the concert.

Art will also be for sale during the show. All proceeds go to Art for Africa.

Leah even had the chance to go to Zambia and meet the people she is helping.

“I would love for it to be a big program,” Terry said. “We work with World Vision currently, so if it could be bigger and become a charity, that would be really cool,” Terry said.

The benefit concert starts at 7 P.M. and ends at 9 P.M. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Learn more about Art for Africa HERE.