The Youngstown Area Community Concert Band and the Stambaugh Chorus played Christmas music at the Stambaugh Auditorium to help those in need.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the 'concert of Giving' go to the Second Harvest Food Bank. The event was free with a monetary donation to Second Harvest.

The tradition has been helping the food bank as part of Feed Our Valley for over a decade. The band and chorus use the musical performance to raise money for Second Harvest every year. 

“This event is very very special. People can come, enjoy music and they can support Second Harvest,” said Hae-Jong Lee, director of the Stambaugh Chorus.

People started filling the auditorium to listen to the Christmas music as soon as the doors opened. The concert featured Christmas carols, classic Christmas music and other upbeat holiday songs.

Before taking their seats, members of the audience were asked to give a cash or check donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank. 

“We call this a 'Concert of Giving' because everyone gives. The audience gives so generously. The two groups are volunteer groups. They give their time and efforts. And then the Second Harvest of course gives back to the community in the way of donating food goods to the Mahoning Valley people,” said Joseph Pellegrini, conductor of the Youngstown Area Community Concert Band.

Pellegrini reached out to the food bank over a decade ago. Since then, he's been using his talents to raise money for those in need.

Just last year, almost 2,000 people showed up to the Concert of Giving. Mike Iberis, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, said the concert's success shows how much people in the Mahoning Valley care about helping others.

“The money we're raising here today, and have over the last 14 years. Has provided 320,000 meals. Now what's important is that 29% [of the meals] go to children. And that kind of puts a light on child hunger that's in our community and in most communities,” said Iberis. “This concert has been incredible. There are people coming from three states, coming to this concert.”

The Youngstown Area Community Concert Band and the Stambaugh Chorus have been collaborating to help Second Harvest for 14 years. The goal is to raise $5,000 or more each year.