The fourth annual Eleisha Eagle in Concert raised just under $28,000 for non-profit organizations in my hometown of Lake Charles, LA.  Since its existence, the benefit has given $90,000 to help children in the area.

This year's recipients:

CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK
CMN uses monies raised to benefit children's health needs.  The money donated is used for state-of-the-art pediatric equipment, as well as providing health-related educational programs and services.  All of the money given to CMN stays in SWLA.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL OF SWLA
"ArtsFest"
The 30th Annual ArtsFest is a free one-day festival where children of all ages can make and take home art projects of all kinds.  This year the theme will be: "ArtsFest goes Global!"  Ten countries have been selected and two art projects will be available, indicative of each country.  Additionally, a main dish and dessert correlating with each country's cuisine will be prepared and made available to fest goers.

THE LITERACY COUNCIL OF SWLA, INC
"Calcasieu After-School Partnership or CAP
CAP identifies at-risk students enrolled in grades 1-5.  They receive tutoring in reading, writing or mathematics; receive help with homework; and complete activities in the computer lab.

EDUCATIONAL AND TREATMENT COUNCIL, INC. (ETC)
"Furnish a Future"
ETC provides housing and support services to homeless youth ages 17-21. These youth enter the program from desperate circumstances and with few belongings.  Funds are being provided to help the youth furnish their apartments with basic items as they start their new lives.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE CO.
"I Am One Scholarship"
Four at-risk youth (1 boy and 1 girl, 5 to 8-years-old; 1 boy and 1 girl, 9 to 17-years-old) have the opportunity to participate in one calendar year of acting classes, productions and summer workshops.

SAINT NICHOLAS CENTER FOR EARLY INTERVENTION
"Family Support Workshops"
The Saint Nicholas Center currently serves children with autism and developmental delays by providing ABA therapy to help with school readiness.  This project aims to help the rest of the family cope with the strains that can accompany having a family member with special needs.  They wish to offer sibling and parent workshops conducted by professionals who specialize in the field.

OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN SPECIAL-ED DEPARTMENT
"Making New Friends and Smiling at New Faces"
Fostering academic success for all students by broadening the classroom’s current social interaction activities.

ST. MARGARET SCIENCE CLUB
"What are you doing about the Carbon Footprint?"
The students will reduce the amount of Lake Charles' carbon footprint by conducting two community service projects.