Heart-wrenching is the word Edith Edwards uses when she thinks about orphanages and senior homes that open their doors to people with no homes or families.

So she decided to do something about it.

With her sister Becky Edwards, she is presenting a benefit for an orphanage and senior home in Tijuana, Mexico on Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m. at the Community Church.

The sisters will sing songs from the 40’s – the 60’s, opera arias, spirituals and religious selections. In addition to playing the piano accompaniment to Edith’s songs, Rebecca will perform two solo piano pieces.

About the orphanage and senior home

The City of Angels orphanage has served children from newborns through to their early 20s. There are 42 children in the orphanage at the present time; however, they serve 50 to 60 children per year. Some of the children are deserted by parents; others come from families so poor they cannot afford to feed or educate their children. Most of the children fall between the ages of 3 and 15 years of age.

The orphanage is not supported by the government and is always in need of support in order to provide for all the needs of these children – from housing costs such as electricity, water, etc. through food, clothing and supplies.  Right now they are particularly in need of a van and of washers and dryers. The orphanage does have a sponsorship program where we can select and sponsor a particular child.

Refugio Old Folks’ Home serves 80 to 100 senior citizens who have no home or family.

Many Lopezians have visited these two sites, going down to remodel buildings, build new sections, etc. through the auspices of Lopez Island Community Church. The teams take adults and children from Lopez who spend several days in Tijuana working hard to assist these two worthwhile projects.

About the performers

Edith has performed as soloist at many special events and church services throughout the years. She has also sung in choirs and small vocal groups.  Edith currently resides on Lopez Island where she runs a small rescue farm for unwanted animals.

Becky earned her doctorate in musicology from Princeton University and is currently a Professor at Saint Martin’s University in Lacy, Wash. Becky has an extensive background in both accompaniment and solo performance. She accompanied an opera singer doing concerts throughout Italy. Becky is the author of numerous articles in musicological journals including the prestigious American Institute of Musicology’s Musica Disciplina.

“It’s a lot of work but its a lot of fun,” said Edith. “We’ve making music for years.”