13 Jun 2011 No Comments
Music-Inspired Giving: Tornado Disaster Relief
When Rachel Carrick saw news coverage of the devastation April’s tornadoes wreaked across the South, the 14-year-old singer/songwriter knew she had to do something.
Coming from a family of musicians, Rachel started singing at the very young age of 4; mostly songs from The Sound of Music, according to her father, Jim. Two years later, Rachel recorded her first song, “Away in a Manger” in Swedish, for a Christmas album. She continued to contribute to the Christmas compilation for a few years, before she started writing her own music at age 13. Jim recalls Rachel coming downstairs one day with 40 new songs written. One of these songs was particularly special to Rachel and inspired her fundraising campaign for tornado relief.
“Home” is a song Rachel wrote for someone she missed dearly, and she realized the lyrics could also resonate for people who may have lost everything. She decided to dedicate the song to storm survivors, and used it as a centerpiece for her fundraising appeal for the American Red Cross. Even though she has no personal connection to the affected areas, Rachel is doing her part and has already raised $3,100 out of her $25,000 goal with FirstGiving, just by reaching out to family, friends, and her local community of St. Augustine, Florida. We spoke with her this week and got a little insight into this rising star’s early accomplishments and plans for the future.
What inspired you to write this song and start fundraising?
The song was about someone that I missed very much and after seeing the pictures and videos on the news, I wanted to do something good. I chose this song because [the lyrics] related to the cause.
How have you been spreading the word about your fundraising campaign?
It has all been basically online, through Facebook, Twitter, my website and emailing friends and family. I’ve gone on my local news stations and even opened up for LeAnn Rimes last week, where I talked about my fundraising for tornado relief. Everyone has been really supportive and thinks I’m doing a great thing.
Have you fundraised before? If yes, for what kind of cause(s)?
I’ve been part of a Christmas album a few times since I was 6 years old that donates all the proceeds to the Empty Stocking Fund. They provide presents to people that can’t afford them at Christmas time.
How has campaigning for disaster relief impacted your life?
I definitely appreciate my family and my home much more. After seeing all those people lose their homes, I think about what I have and don’t take it for granted.
Are you planning to write more music for the disaster relief and continue to fundraise?
Yes. If any of my songs relate to anything that happens in the future, I would definitely dedicate my songs and fundraise again
To help Rachel reach her goal and donate to the American Red Cross for the tornado disaster relief, visit her page: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/rachelcarrick/tornadorelief
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Fundraising Tip: Rachel’s campaign shows a fun way of incorporating something she loves into her fundraising appeal. You don’t have to be an athlete to tie something you’re passionate about, like art or music, into your fundraising appeal to make it that much more personal.
