Elmhurst, Ill.—Members of the Choral-Aires Chorus know a thing or two about fighting breast cancer. Many of the 100-member Chorus have been touched by the disease, having battled the disease personally, or by watching a family member or close friend in the fight of her life. Because of this, the Chorus committed to raising funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The commitment paid off. The Choral-Aires raised more than $5,700 for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, with 20 members participating in the Lombard, Ill., race on September 26. Those not able to participate in the race were encouraged to wear pink and donate to the cause during a regularly scheduled rehearsal.

Lindsey Herza, the Chorus’ team captain says of this effort, “We are thrilled to stand with our friends and family members battling breast cancer. The women in our chorus are extremely close, what each person goes through, we all experience; the good and the bad. I am thankful for each member’s contribution to our effort.”

Women of all ages desiring to be a part of this outstanding chorus are invited to join the Choral-Aires Chorus during weekly rehearsals held each Monday from 7 to 10 p.m, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church Recreation Center (345 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Elmhurst). The Chorus is taking the month of December off for the holidays, and will resume again January 3; contact Jane Toftey for more information at 630.665.8387.

More than 100 women from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin sing tight harmonies a capella (without instrumentation) with the Choral-Aires Chorus, the 2008 Lake Michigan Region 3 Champion with the Sweet Adelines International. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. More information about the Chorus can be found at their website, http://choral-aires.com.