Voices of Hope is lucky in the many, many members that lend their talents and efforts to our cause. From our artistic team to our technical team to our management team, from our first time performers all the way to our veterans of the very first show, everyone brings something special and unique to the process. Some of us bring our vision, some of us bring our labor, and some of us bring something even more personal than that.

Our children.

Mike and Beth Consoli sit on the VOH board, and are two of our most veteran members. Mike performed in the very first show, and Beth joined the following year for our first annual fall gala. They've been to countless meetings, rehearsals, and performances, but they don't come alone. Instead they bring along two of our very youngest members. Nicholas--who was only a toddler when VOH was founded--and Anna--who was still on the way--have been part of the VOH family since the beginning. They fundraise and network right alongside their parents, and have even been performing since the ages of six and three.

To juggle rehearsing with childcare isn't an easy task, but both Mike and Beth say it's worth it. Not only does it keep them doing things actively as a family together, it is also teaching the children valuable lessons about helping others, and giving of yourself. They understand that by participating in VOH they are helping people who are very sick, and the passion to help others has taken root inside them. The children have planned their own VOH fundraisers-like summer lemonade stands or winter candy cane sales-as well as helping with the Consoli's annual Bounce for the Cure Lawn Party, where they fill their yard with bouncey castles, cotton candy, and snow cones, and fill a donation jar to the brim for VOH.

As for what the kids say, well, Nicholas, who is now eight, loves to be in the shows, and says that he'd choose Bounce for the Cure over his own birthday party. Anna, who is five, says she likes "being helpful for people who need it," as well having everyone watch them when they're on stage.  When we first opened the Nest the children made a sign for us, which hangs near the front door.  It's a simple note card with Nicholas's handwriting, and it states very clearly what we're here to do.  Help people.

We, the other members of Voices of Hope, are grateful not only to the Consoli's, but to every parent that brings their child and makes them a part of the VOH family. It's a special blessing to be able to see the next generation taking up the cause, and it gives us heart. The children remind us every day of why we sing, so that those who come after us will live in a world where cancer has a cure.