NILES —  This past November, the Michiana Metro Lighthouse Chorus hosted its annual food bank fundraiser, “Music with a Mission,” the proceeds of which were pledged to area food banks.  Members of the Lighthouse Chorus recently presented one of the beneficiaries, the Niles Salvation Army, a check for $3,100. The Niles Salvation Army serves Berrien and Cass counties.

The total proceeds from the annual fundraiser exceeded $7,000, which was donated to five different food pantries in the area. The other food pantries included Buchanan, Berrien Springs, Edwardsburg and Benton Harbor. 

Chorus President Jay Wort said that these donations were made possible through the backing of area businesses that advertised in the fundraiser program, as well as supporters throughout Michiana who attended the fundraiser.  The Chorus also hosted a food drive the evening of the performance, during which more than 300 pounds of non-perishables was collected. 

Based in Niles, the Lighthouse Chorus is a men’s a cappella chorus that sings primarily in the barbershop style of music.  Using contemporary arrangements, the Chorus performs a variety of music, including jazz, rock and patriotic, spirituals and ballads.  They have performed in almost every southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana community, singing on stages, in parks, on sidewalks and in churches.  They often give back to their communities by holding fundraisers for local organizations.  They are always looking for new members and invite anyone who is interested to visit a rehearsal at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 9 South 4th St., Niles.