Choir singers from across the region went to Sacred Hearts Church in Bradford to help defeat one formidable foe — child abuse.
The Haverhill Exchange Club organized another Sing out Against Child Abuse choir competition to raise money and awareness for the club's primary humanitarian effort.
On April 20, choirs from around the region performed one song a cappella and one song with an organ accompanist. They were categorized by those with more than 12 members, those with fewer than 12, and children's choirs.
The winner of the over-12 member choir competition was Crossroads Baptist Church from Pelham, N.H., directed by Julie Gordon. Other winners were the Ward Hill Church of Christ Adult Choir, Groveland Congregational Church, and the Ward Hill Church of Christ Children's Choir.
First prize was $500 and second prize was $250, and all money raised through ticket sales will fund child abuse prevention programs throughout Haverhill. Tickets were $10 for adults and free for children.
The awards were sponsored by H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes, who partnered with the Haverhill Exchange Club for the event, and were presented by Brian Farmer.
Crossroads Baptist Church, the winning choir, gave its $500 winnings back to the Exchange Club to help further its fight against child abuse.
Throughout the year, Haverhill Exchange Club sponsors many programs for children, including Junior Police, Fire Prevention, Trees for Tots and Read Across America. The club's primary goals are to help children and prevent abuse.
