Concert in homage to the Carpenters supports Our House

A FUNDRAISER for Northern Rivers charity Our Kids will help support its Our House project, which provides affordable accommodation for families and carers travelling to Lismore for hospital care.

The event, Remembering the Carpenters, stars Lisa Budin-Price with a six-piece band and pays tribute to Karen Carpenter, whose three-octave contralto voice, clarity and warmth made her a favourite among singers and vocal coaches. Carpenter, nicknamed One-Take Karen, died in 1983 at the age of 32 from heart failure after a long battle with anorexia nervosa.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said the concert was organised by community member Kerry Walker, who has supported the charity for several years.

“She came and saw what we were doing and how we impact our community, and fell in love with us, and wanted to do a function each year – she is amazing,” Battista said.

“It’s her show, and we’re so grateful, as well as that it’s at Ballina RSL, which is very supportive of all we do.”

Battista said the community could also support the charity through donations, which help maintain Our House and provide a hardship fund for guests unable to access government transport schemes.

“Every $10 donation adds up and takes another $10 off someone’s day when they can’t cope financially,” she said.

Remembering the Carpenters is on August 31 at 3pm at Ballina RSL. For tickets, visit ballinarsl.com.au/event/remembering-the-carpenters .