SCHOOLS UNITE FOR PERFORMANCE — The third-annual Indian Creek Foundation Christmas Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Indian Creek High School auditorium. Students will perform a series of holiday tunes during the free event. Proceeds from auctions and sponsorships will benefit school food pantries to ensure students are fed in the coming months. Organizers hope this year’s event will see a good turnout like its 2024 show. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Students will sing in the season during the third-annual Indian Creek Foundation Christmas Concert. The event is set for 7 p.m. Saturday in the Indian Creek High School auditorium.

The free concert features elementary through high school students singing and playing instrumental holiday songs.

Assistant Superintendent and foundation member John Belt said the audience can enjoy the high school jazz band performing while the elementary choir sings.

“There will be a selection of traditional holiday music,” Belt stated, noting donations will be accepted at the door. Sponsors are still being accepted. The event attracts approximately 600 guests each year, with the foundation raising approximately $12,000 each year. Proceeds benefit various foundation causes, including student programming and scholarships.

“The Indian Creek Foundation funds six scholarships, itself, and manages funds for another 10 scholarships,” Belt explained. “During the first two years, the revenue through sponsorships and donations have supported foundation scholarships. The funding has gone directly back to students to help with their education after high school, whether it’s vocational training or a university.”

The foundation has provided funding for tuition for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, the high school’s habitat for Hellbender ambassador Chief, a 3-D printer for the engineering department, drones for ICMS’s STEM program and curriculum for elementary school enrichment.

In addition to supporting educational initiatives, the foundation supports transportation for Cross Creek Elementary field trips and drums for the high school band.

This year, Belt said the focus will be on the schools’ food pantries to ensure students are fed throughout the coming months.

“These funds will go to the food pantries in all four buildings to provide students with food security,” he explained. “This is the first time we’ve done it. With some of the food insecurities going on, we are going into the holidays and wanted to support the pantries.”

To date, sponsors include: Elite Physical Therapy and Fitness Center, Exquisite Creations, Northeastern Utilities, Signs LTD, Wayne Doors, the Wintersville Fire Department, Indian Creek Band Boosters, Bates Bros. Amusement Co. and WTOV-TV, platinum sponsors; Everhart-Bove Funeral Homes, BKY Financial Inc., First National Bank, Lightning Lizard Auto Sales and Service, Tri-State Financial, 7 Ranges Entertainment, Valley Converting, We Do Bling, Indian Creek Athletics Boosters, Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration and Wheeler Funeral Homes, gold sponsors; and Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, Gombar Refrigeration, Hauser’s Furniture and Mr. Key Locksmith Shop, silver sponsors.

Officials will hold an auction during the evening, with prizes ranging from a gift pack for 7 Ranges to We Do Bling.

For information, contact Belt at john.belt@iclsd.org.