Detailed Background Information
In 2004 and early 2005, a choir was formed, made up of singers from different denominations and locations in central
New Jersey who wanted the opportunity to sing together, to give a concert in early June of 2005. Caritas founder
Barbara Sanderman had a long history of supporting the Adorno Fathers and a profound belief and trust in the good
they do around the world, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. She proposed that the Chorale
use its art for the benefit of the Mission.
The singers understood and appreciated that the African Mission serves some of the poorest people of the world and
agreed to sing for the Mission. The choir took the name Caritas, after the Latin word for “charity.” Later, the group
agreed to continue to sing together, ultimately adopting the following as its mission: Caritas Chamber Chorale is
dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor through the art of sacred music.
Since then, while welcoming new singers and musical ideas, and extending its reach to new venues, the Chorale has
continued to sing for the African Mission. In 2011, the Adorno Fathers asked Caritas to dedicate their support to the
Gianni Diurni Primary School in Goma, DRC. To date Caritas has raised over $70,000 for the African Mission
through its benefit concert series.
As you may know, Caritas Chamber Chorale currently operates as a branch of the Adorno Fathers (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and as such, is considered a religious organization. Because of that designation, Caritas is not eligible for state
or federal arts grant funding. Therefore, we must rely on the financial support of our community of benefactors.
Throughout its ten year history Caritas Chamber Chorale has run on a bare minimum budget, with all singers, as well
as the Director, Composer in Residence and Public Relations Personnel all volunteering their time. Caritas has
accepted the good will of its concert hosts, without being obligated to a usual rental fee. Furthermore, St. Bernard
Church in Bridgewater has provided a decade of support by providing rehearsal space gratis. Some music publishers
have also been willing to discount or provide print music because the concerts are presented for the benefit the
African Mission. For all these things we are deeply grateful and would not be in existence without all this support.
Indeed, it has taken quite a village to support both our singing and the needs of the school children of Goma. In 2014
alone, Caritas raised over $11,000 for the Mission School through the generosity of its concert audiences. We could
not be who we are nor do what we do without the generosity of all our supporters.
As the needs and goals for both the African Mission and the Chorale grow and change, it has become necessary to
come to you for more direct and consistent support for Caritas Chamber Chorale.
For more than a year, Caritas has been planning for a concert tour of the California Mission Area in November of
2015. The purpose of this trip is to celebrate our Tenth Anniversary as a choir, to share our music with people in a
completely different location, to explore and learn the history some of the places Christianity first came to our
country. Above all, we desire to constantly create awareness about the needs of the Congo and the work the Adorno
Fathers are doing there.
This tour is the primary motivation for seeking additional support from our contributors at this time. Although
expensive, a tour is an extraordinary opportunity for the advancement of a choir like Caritas. And with your help,
Caritas will be able to send as many singers as possible.
Beyond the tour, if Caritas is to consider other musical opportunities, ideas and directions new funding will be
required. Further, to increase the donations raised for the African Mission, Caritas needs additional financial
resources to continue to consider new possibilities for marketing and outreach.
In order to plan for the future of Caritas Chamber Chorale, always with the benefit of the African Mission in mind,
Caritas is establishing a donor society, the Et Amor Partnership.
2015 Et Amor Partnership Requirements and Benefits
Et Amor Partners are asked for an annual contribution of $250 or more during the season of Lent. There is no
obligation to continue contributions in future years, although we hope you will. All contributions to Caritas Chamber
Chorale and/or the Adorno Fathers’ African Mission are fully tax deductible. For participation as a charter member
of the 2015 At Amor Partnership, we kindly ask that contributions be made by April 5, 2015.
Et Amor Partners will receive a written acknowledgment of their tax deductible donation as well as Caritas’s
current CD recording, Stop Your Doubting. Partners will also be acknowledged in our programs and on our website.
Additional benefits, such as premium seating at our concerts will be provided when possible.
Et Amor Partners will be supporting sacred art with a mission.
Questions or comments may be referred to Barbara Sanderman at director@caritaschamberchorale.org.
www.caritaschamberchorale.org