Peppy and youthful, Pim Sorber was diagnosed with cancer at just 32 years old. But the Jackson Elementary kindergarten aide won the battle.
Now, two years later, she is doing whatever she can to help other cancer patients and survivors. With the help of some community choirs, she has organized Concert for a Cure, a fundraiser for Jackson’s Relay for Life team.
“She’s really passionate about helping others with cancer,” Lesli Platt, concert organizer, said. “This concert is an offshoot of what she feels so strongly about.”
Sorber and Platt belong to the same a cappella group, Spirit Singers. The 10-member group started in 2008 and has members ranging from 34 to 81 years old. The diverse group sings old gospel pieces, such as “Down to the River to Pray,” a song featured in the movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” The singers also mix things up with doo-wops.
Sorber invited the Spirit Singers to help put on the concert. The group agreed and will be singing seven songs during the concert, which takes place at the First United Methodist Church of Plant City.
“We love to get out there and sing,” Platt said. “Our main goal is to help Jackson raise money for their relay team.”
Jackson Elementary School fourth- and fifth-grade choir also will be performing. They will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “You Raise Me Up.”
Safety patrollers from the school will also be donating their services by passing out brochures and ushering.
Teachers will join the Spirit Singers and another group, The Beachcombers, an all-female community choir, to perform, “When I Close My Eyes.”
Several young soloists from area high schools and colleges will be performing songs as well, including “When the Saints.”
A flutist and an organist will accompany the singers during some songs.
A bake sale and refreshments will be offered during the concert, which will end with a candlelight memorial.
“I don’t know one person who hasn’t been touched by cancer,” Platt said.
Platt’s brother died this year from cancer, and her mother is a survivor. A member of the Spirit Singers also is battling lung cancer.
“It touches all of us,” Platt said. “We’re doing this concert in support of our members who we love and anyone else battling cancer.”
For advanced tickets, visit All A Bloom Florist, 116 N. Collins St., Plant City.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
CONCERT FOR A CURE
Presented by the Spirit Singers and Friends of Jackson Elementary
WHEN: 6 p.m. April 13
WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St., Plant City
TICKETS: $6 at the door; $5 in advance at All A Bloom Florist, 116 N. Collins St.