Three area students hold recital for orphans and foster children

Three classical dancers will perform in "Musical Sensations,'' featuring international music and dance, on Sunday (Nov. 19) to raise money to help local foster care children through Eckerd Connects Raising Hope and also to benefit an orphanage in Bangalore, India.

Dancers Charvi Sharma, from Berkeley Preparatory School; Esha Babu, from Robinson IB High School; and Kiran Ganga, from Palm Harbor University IB, founded Emkidz, Inc., a non-profit that strives to empower kids around the world.

They and other dancers will perform from 4 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Sickles High School, 7950 Gunn Highway. The show will include music and dance from India, Albania, Russia, China, the United States and more.

Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for an adult or $25 for a couple.

The girls decided to donate the money they raised from an Indian Classic Dance recital held last January to First Books in order to help children in Florida affected by Hurricane Irma. They plan to donate 100 percent of the money raised at Sunday's recital to the two charities.

The Eckerd organization provides emergency and comfort items for kids entering the foster care system. They are able to "shop," free of charge, for pajamas, shoes, hygiene items, school supplies and other necessities.

The orphanage in Bangalore was founded by two Hindu monks in the Sivananda order whose mission includes helping destitute children in India.

To reserve tickets, go to emkidz.org and click "Upcoming Events.'' Tickets also can be purchased at the door.