Rumson church hosts benefit for Guatemalan kids

RUMSON - - Several local artists are working together on a benefit concert and photo event to raise awareness of the plight of Guatemala's children living on the edge of Guatemala City's largest garbage dump. The benefit, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Rumson, focuses on the remarkable work and seven-year journey of Hanley Denning, founder of Safe Passage, based in Maine.

Denning started Safe Passage at a tiny church on the edge of the dump seven years ago.

Photojournalist Joseph Delconzo has traveled to Guatemala on seven occasions to photograph Guatemala's severely impoverished. He has documented the growth of the Safe Passage program since his first trip to Guatemala in 2000. Safe Passage has grown to encompass more than 600 families in Guatemala, giving them hope, food, education and a way to a better life.

The event, "One Woman's Quest: Hanley Denning and the Children of Guatemala," documents Denning's journey experienced through a photo journalism presentation with live music by local artists will be held May 6, at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson, 4 East River Road.

Performers include: John Dupuis, Gerd Nowaczyk, and Jack Burdy, among others, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson.

For additional information about the benefit, contact Julia at (732) 872-7035. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance by calling (732) 842-0429.

For additional information about Safe Passage visit www.safepassage.org.