COTA Celebrates with Annual Fundraising Affair

Staff Reporter

On July 21, The Children of the Arts Foundation held a fundraising event at Treasures Banquet Facility. The dress-white affair welcomed performances by local talent Taphy Spencer and R&B singer and actor Christopher Williams.

Although this was COTA’s first dress-white affair, this is their third annual fundraising event. Battle said the dress-white affair served as the pre-launch to a future event to be held in September, where the children will put on a full performance showcasing elements of theatre, dance, and music. Tickets were $25 but attendees were welcomed to pay more or contribute donations.

The Children of the Arts Foundation is a 3-year-old, 501c(3) non-profit organization that affords children access to performing and visual arts programs.

“Our goal with this event is to allow any child who wants to pursue music, whether it be instrumental training, vocal training, dance or visual arts, the opportunity to pursue their passion,” said Sharon Reeves Battle, Executive Director and Founder of Children of the Arts, COTA. All proceeds go towards funding COTA’s youth chorus, a free musical program afforded to children of all ages.

The event was cosponsored by children entertainment company AIKAN entertainment and local food show, Ewe Nique Taste of Philly. Nakia Dillard, a Philadelphia actor who has been casted in the HBO hit series The Wire and the 2010 Sundance Film, Night Catches US, attended the event  in representation of AIKAN entertainment along with Darnell Richardson, a local performing artist with his own production and entertainment group. Dillard and Richardson serve as instructors to theater students of the COTA foundation.

As for the musical talent of the night, local singer-songwriter and lyricist Desi Scott served as the opening act in the line-up. Scott was excited to lend his support and perform at the event free of charge. “It’s a beautiful thing, for our children to learn. Children are our future. No pun…it’s the truth,” Scott said.

To follow was Taphy Spencer who, along with her full band, performed a selection of songs honoring the life of her beloved mother. Spencer finished off with a ladies anthem all the women in attendance could sing along to. Spencer who is a singer-songwriter and producer serves as the choir director of the COTA youth chorus.

To close the show, Christopher Williams came out performing a wide variety of R&B songs. Showcasing his talents, Williams performed a few of his songs a cappella. Closing the show with his 1991 hit I’m Dreamin, Williams brought everyone to their feet. Battle spoke very highly of Williams, saying that he did not hesitate when asked to come perform at the fundraising event. Williams said he was happy to come contribute to an event geared towards helping children. 

“Just make sure you love it, number one, and two, that you get into your craft because there’s going to be good days and bad days like any other job… it’s not always glitz and glamour,” Williams said offering advice to kids pursuing a career in music. What’s the key to longevity? “Grace,” Williams answered.