The Morton Civic Chorus, under the direction of Denise Adams, will celebrate their 52nd year of raising money for patients of chronic kidney disease with a musical revue titled, “Encore.”

The Morton Civic Chorus, under the direction of Denise Adams, will celebrate their 52nd year of raising money for patients of chronic kidney disease with a musical revue titled, “Encore.”

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The Morton Civic Chorus, under the direction of Denise Adams, will celebrate their 52nd year of raising money for patients of chronic kidney disease with a musical revue titled, “Encore” held at the Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center in Morton, IL, May 25-27 at 7:30 p.m., and May 28 at 2 p.m.

“Encore” presented by the Morton Civic Chorus is the largest fundraising arm for the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund. CIMKF assists patients of chronic kidney disease throughout Central Illinois. The chorus started in 1971 as the Morton Women’s Chorus and was motivated to choose dialysis patients as their charity when one of their chorus members was afflicted with the disease. In 1976, CIMKF was formed to allow the distribution of monies to dialysis patients in 11 Central Illinois communities.  A volunteer board of directors meets monthly with a social worker, reviewing cases of patients in need. A CIMKF patient can expect to receive monies for items not covered by Healthcare, Medicare or Medicaid. These items may include medication costs, transportation to and from the dialysis unit, and basic living needs.

Every year the chorus enlists an Honorary Chairman to assist with their fundraising efforts. This year, they have chosen Norm Durflinger. Norm has served the Morton community in many capacities, including Superintendent of Morton School District 709 and two terms as the Village Mayor. Norm remembers when the Morton Chorus was holding their fundraising concerts in the high school gym and is thrilled that they have moved their show back to its roots.  

“Encore 2023” selections include “Grand Night for Singing”, “Night and Day,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Swinging with the Saints,” and “Armed Forces Salute,” just to name a few.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students 18 and under, and $15 a piece for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at Kidder Music in Peoria, Morton Community Bank at 218 N. Main in Morton, or online at online at mortoncivicchorus.org. For show information, call 698-5479.