Charity concert benefits Ethiopian children
- posted: 04 Dec. 2007
- scrollnews@byui.edu
On Friday, Nov. 30, Hogi Yogi’s upper level was packed to capacity— and not just because students were craving sandwiches and frozen yogurt. Students gathered to watch a benefit concert and support a budding nonprofit organization Where Love Is.
Jason Burton, a resident of Portland, Ore., has three siblings who were adopted from Ethiopia. He began Where Love Is in March 2007 to alleviate hunger and provide homes and education for homeless Ethiopian children.
Jason Burton is not a student, but his girlfriend, Elise Dungan, a junior studying elementary education, is running a branch in Rexburg with other BYU-Idaho students. Dungan is a co-sponsor of Where Love Is and was the organizer of Friday’s benefit concert.
“I had originally wanted to go into the Peace Corps, but I decided it is hard to make a difference at an organization where volunteers are constantly coming and going,” Dungan said. “We decided we wanted to establish a program that would continue long-term so as to give the people we are helping some stable support.”
Dungan said that, if nothing else, she hopes that Where Love Is will raise awareness about the conditions in Africa.
“I want people to be aware of the harsh situations that the Ethiopian people are going through. There are so many homeless and orphaned kids on the streets, and there are many ways to get involved,” Dungan said.
The organization suggested a $3 donation as entrance to the event and hosted several student-run bands such as Enlow, Forborne and Pop.
Evan MacDonald, a junior studying communication whose stage name is Evan Enlow, said he performed because it was a worthy cause that needed recognition.
“My wife went to Ethiopia for five months of service, and so this cause is very close to her heart. She heard about the event and volunteered me to perform for it. I like it because I think it’s important that people educate themselves about what is going on in the world,” MacDonald said. 
