For the third year, Malvern’s Men’s Chorus and Notre Dame’s Women’s Chorale met at LOVE Park in Philadelphia to sing a few Christmas tunes and raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

At the center of a Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s Love Park, surrounded by shops and food vendors, Christmas carols echoed on a Saturday afternoon.

Singers from Malvern Prep’s Men’s Chorus and Notre Dame Women’s Chorale prepared for their noon performance to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, according to their website.

“The first year we didn’t really know what to expect and every year it has gotten better and better – more organized, more people, more crowd, better facility,” Malvern’s Choral Director Mr. Ed Liga said. “It’s become a really great way to start off the Christmas season.”

Senior Michael Gormley has performed in the concert for two years now, and he loves being able to perform at a venue like LOVE Park.

“It’s a great opportunity to go out into the city and sing in front of hundreds of random people,” Gormley said. “If I wasn’t involved in men’s chorus, I would want to come and see it because we sound really good and it’s just a great opportunity.”

All of the members of Malvern’s chorus came to enjoy themselves at LOVE Park, even though attendance at the event is not mandatory.

“They all come,” Liga said. “I don’t require it for a grade because it’s a Saturday morning. I just make it known to them that it’s a really good time. Even some alumni come back.”

Malvern’s students aren’t the only ones who have a great experience at this event. Notre Dame’s women’s chorale loves participating just as much.

“It’s always a fun event and it’s really great to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” senior Allison McGee said. “It’s very cool how a big crowd comes out to LOVE Park and everything is very Christmas-spirited.”

Some parents and other family members of the choir members came out to show their support down at LOVE Park.

Mrs. Cathy Preston, mother of Notre Dame Chorale member Cayla Preston, has attended and enjoyed the event each year. She likes that Malvern and Notre Dame perform together at LOVE Park and thinks that it is a great opportunity for both schools.

“It’s a nice way to give back to the community, to be part of a charity so they can give back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Preston said.