The Alabama Organ Center will host its first Donate Life Gospel Celebration from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Lyric Theatre, located at 1800 Third Avenue North in Birmingham.
Donate Life Gospel Celebration is an event created to recognize National Minority Donor Awareness Week, a nationwide observance from Aug. 1-7 to educate minorities on the desperate need of organ donation and transplantation within the multicultural community. Minorities make up more than half of those on the organ donation waiting lists at 58 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“It is our hope that hosting a community event of this nature will help us build a lasting partnership with our faith-based communities and bridge the gap between the people who desperately need lifesaving and life-enhancing transplants and those who are able to give the gift of life,” said Beverly Berry, multicultural education coordinator at the Alabama Organ Center.
Observed annually, National Minority Donor Awareness Week was created to increase awareness of the need for more organ, eye and tissue donors, especially among minorities. Now in its 18th year, this special observance honors minorities who have been donors, and encourages others to register as donors, and take better care of their health in order to reduce the number needing a transplant.
Some of Birmingham’s best gospel talent will be on display at the free event, including the Birmingham Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. Choir, Evelyn S. Hardy Men of Distinction Male Chorus of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Angenetta Smith, Brother Jessie Champion Omega Choral, Marvin Pullom and FWD, and Trinesha & S.O.T.L.
While the event is free, attendees must have a ticket for admission. Tickets, directions and Lyric Theatre parking information are available online. Contact the Alabama Organ Center at 205-731-9200 or bmberry@alabamaorgancenter.org with any questions.