Five groups are currently set to play at the Battle of the Bands event

A Liberty University event planning class will be holding a charity event, Battle of the Bands, on the Montview Academic Lawn April 12 at 7 p.m.

The competition will benefit Isaiah 117 House, an organization that hosts children who are currently in the foster care system.

Started by the Paulson family in 2014, the organization seeks to provide children in waiting with a safe space and loving volunteers, rather than a dirty cubicle office. Isaiah 117 was named after the Bible verse that says, “Defend the cause of the fatherless.”

Founder of Isaiah 117 Ronda Paulson talked about her inspiration for the organization.

“I believe that is what God is calling me to do,” Paulson said.

Isaiah 117 will also be at Battle of the Bands with a lemonade stand to raise money and awareness for its cause.

“Isaiah 117 helps children who are in the foster care system so my group really wanted to support them,” senior Megan Swirsding said.

Swirsding also shared how the Battle of the Bands event is actually a project for event planning majors who are taking Event Management (FACS 351). In that class, students have to plan a charity event and raise $500 for a significant part of their grade.

Aside from Swirsding, there are four other students bringing this plan to life: Jazmyn Straus, Lleona Woelkers, Braelyn Grooms and Ella Woods. They are excited for this event as it is not only a group project but also an opportunity to help the community and work with amazing people along the way.   

“I got to meet and work with so many cool people … and we are fundraising for Isaiah 117 which is an amazing organization that is a safe house for foster care children,” Straus said.

Battle of the Bands has been hosted since 2010, allowing students to display their musical talent over the years. Currently, there are five bands signed up for this event including Lost/Found, Montview Couples, CODA, Wyndsong and another unnamed band. They will each have 10 minutes on stage to perform and then a winner will be determined.

Swirsding and her group are looking forward to students coming out to enjoy this event.   

“I am excited to hear the bands play and have our students sit back and listen to their music,” Swirsding said.

To learn more about Isaiah 117 House, visit this link.

Nichols is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion