11:45am Thursday 9th September 2010
By Manisha Mistry
A CHARITY concert organised by a rescued orphan, now living in Harpenden, has been hailed a success.
Sosthene Maletoungou spent nine months preparing for the concert and picnic held on Saturday, August 28.
The 33-year-old who lives in Highfield Oval, off Ambrose Lane, has told the Review he is delighted that his hard work paid off.
Rain showers on the day failed to dampen the spirits of visitors who enjoyed an evening of music and dance in aid of Orphans Know More – a cause which Sosthene is dedicated to supporting.
He said: “It went very well. The rain poured down on us to start off with but after that it was okay.
“For the first concert I have organised, doing it from scratch, it was a big success.
“The whole community came together and to see everyone coming through the gates gave me a huge sense of relief.
“Adrenaline was pumping through me throughout the night and I couldn't stop thanking people for coming along.”
Although more than £3,000 was raised from the ticket sales Sosthene said only a percentage of that will be donated to the charity after costs are accounted for.
He added: “The financial gain is minimum but that wasn't the aim. The fact that we raised awareness of the charity is the main thing.
“There is a possibility we will hold it in the future because I have already had people telling me to do it again.”
To read more about Sosthene, the charity and his childhood life as an orphan click the related link below.
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