Contributed photo The Aviators perform along with The Hunks, Tatiana Hargreaves and the Steve Matthes Jazz Quartet at the Notes for Goats concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

Corvallis has become the American heart of an international aid program that benefits children in one of the world’s most volatile regions, Darfur, Sudan, and it’s all happened through the faith and hard work of a young Corvallis girl. This weekend, Corvallis residents will have a chance to help out her cause and enjoy some great local music at the same time.

Cassidy Donaldson, a 9-year-old Montessori student, has been raising money for Kids for Kids for two years now. The British-based organization, created and directed by Patricia Parker, provides goats for children and their families in Sudan, with the requirement that they not sell the goats, but can keep or sell the kids (baby goats) that they raise from those goats. They’re also required to pass along six kids to another family.

In addition, the organization provides other life-saving measures, such as developing water resources and passing along farming techniques.

Since age 7, Cassidy has been making high-quality, artistic cat toys and selling them on-line and to the community, with the proceeds going directly to Kids for Kids. Executive Director Patricia Parker has been so impressed with Cassidy’s support of the project that she’s had Cassidy visit her in England, and has come to Corvallis several times.

Parker is now launching a West Coast tour to promote Kids for Kids with the help of Cassidy’s mother, Kathy. On Friday night, April 18, Parker will speak about her most recent visit to Darfur at Oregon State University from 7 to 9 p.m. at Milam Auditorium, 2520 Campus Way. Parker visits Darfur at least twice a year, and was once held captive by rebels, but has now forged friendships with many groups who are less friendly to other aid workers.

On Saturday, April 19, the second annual “Notes for Goats” concert fundraiser takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Eighth Street and Monroe Avenue in Corvallis.

The concert features performances by 12-year-old fiddle prodigy Tatiana Hargreaves, who will play Appalachian fiddle and banjo, acoustic “folkgrass” trio The Hunks, gospel jazz group The Steve Matthes Jazz Quartet and a-capella Doo-Wop kings The Aviators.

For every three adult or six youth tickets sold, another goat will be given to a Darfur family. Tickets are $14 adults, $7 youth and seniors, and are available at Grass Roots Books & Music, Gracewinds and at the door.

For more information, go to www.notesforgoats.org.

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