WILTON — Area youth music groups entertained a crowd of 150 people on Jan. 24, raising funds for both the Wilton Food Pantry and Haiti earthquake relief.

The Mt. Blue Voices, Franklin County Fiddlers, Middle School Show Choir and Mt. Blue Jazz Band entertained an audience that rose to standing ovations after each performance. More than $1,260 was donated, with additional funds continuing to come in afterward from people unable to attend, but wishing to contribute.

The concert was held at the First Congregational Church of Wilton, which started the annual youth concert benefit tradition in 2005 to raise funds for South Asian tsunami relief, at the suggestion of members of its youth group. Since then, concerts have supported the Wilton Food Pantry and a community heating fund started by area churches.

This year’s concert had been planned to support the Wilton Food Pantry which has seen a steady rise in the number of families short of food. When the recent earthquake struck Haiti, food pantry representatives and concert planners decided to split the concert donations between the two needs.

Wilton Food Pantry Director Kitty McDonald spoke of the need for food pantry services in the Wilton area. The Rev. Doug Dunlap of the Congregational Church informed the audience of the need for donations to provide food, medical supplies and rebuilding materials for Haiti. Master of Ceremonies for the concert was Andrea Kaplan of Wilton who had a major role in organizing the concert. She was assisted by her father, Allen Kaplan.

Those who wish to make a donation may send a check to the First Congregational Church of Wilton, P.O. Box 566, Wilton, ME 04294, with the notations “Food Pantry/Haiti.”