Having served as master of ceremonies at a number of area concerts, Dave Smucker, director of Alliance Network, is familiar with combining live music with the opportunity to benefit a good cause. "I remembered what (those evenings were) for our community, and I saw the collaboration and the great cause that it benefited," recalled Smucker, who thought, "Why not do it again?"

The result is Community Concert Fundraiser, hosted by Alliance Network and benefiting Preparing the Way Ministries. The event will be held at Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, on Saturday, March 23. The concert will feature three live gospel acts. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the concert will begin at 6 p.m.

Daniel and Emma Lynn Glick are Lancaster County musicians. Daniel plays acoustic guitar, and the pair sings together, traveling to concert venues around the country. The Glicks have recorded eight albums with their band in their "desire to encourage people and praise our Lord through song."

The Matt & Nimmie Band comprises family and friends from Lancaster County who have played music together for more than five years. Their "greatest desire is to bring honor and glory to God through our music."

Dan and Amanda were both raised in musical families, with Dan learning to play the harmonica and Amanda the piano at age 12. Both also play other instruments, and Amanda is a songwriter. The pair met in 2016, and they soon married and began recording albums together. It is their dream to pass their love of music to their children. "God is so good, and we give Him the credit for where He has brought us, and where He will lead us," the pair states on their web page.

Preparing the Way is a ministry that works to empower the church. The organization, which was founded by Randy and Bonnie Martin, oversees a number of efforts under the ministry's umbrella, concentrated in Thika, Kenya, Africa. The New Holland couple are missionaries of Petra Church.

Smucker first became involved in organizing concerts when he worked with Ivan Stoltzfus to host a concert at Lancaster Mennonite High School benefiting YWAM in 2018. "We held that three years in a row," recalled Smucker. "Then COVID hit, and we couldn't host it at the school for a few years."

Smucker decided to resurrect the event, since he knew a number of area bands. "I thought, 'We will pick it up and make it happen,'" he said. "In years past, we had a nice crowd and a dynamic atmosphere," he recalled. "It was wonderful." Smucker noted that with this genre of music, often concerts are held in tents. "We can have a nice (indoor) atmosphere in this venue," he stated.

Alliance works to bring together entrepreneurs, missions leaders, and organizations with the goal of collaborating for God's greater purpose.

Readers who would like to purchase tickets for the event may visit https://alliancenetwork.ticketleap.com/concert. Tickets will also be available at the door. Children age 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, and Smucker is also seeking volunteers for the event. Those who wish to sponsor the event of volunteer may email dave@allianceus.org.