Well-known local singer and musician David Merkel headlines a benefit talent show at Epworth Methodist Church for the Haiti Mercy Mission on Sunday, March 11.

Scheduled for 7 p.m., the event benefits the Christian mission in Pignon, Haiti, that show organizer Pat Freebury has supported and visited for many years. She and her family have sponsored several of the mission’s children and have worked to connect other orphans with sponsors here in the Flathead Valley.

Freebury described her featured performer Merkel, who is also the pastor of Columbia Falls Methodist Church, as a jazz singer and musician. He was formerly a pastor at Epworth Methodist Church and used to perform on the radio in Wyoming.

Merkel’s talent has been featured at other local benefit concerts.

“He’s going to do ‘It’s A Wonderful World,’” Freebury said. “That’s his signature song.”

Other performers range from youngsters to senior citizens. Their talents include piano and other instruments, vocal presentations and some unique additions.

“I’m having the West Valley Jump Ropers,” Freebury said. “They’re very good.”

At the benefit, Freebury plans to show a PowerPoint presentation of her December trip to Pignon, which highlights the progress made since the devastating earthquake that riveted the world’s attention on the poverty-stricken country.

Freebury personally experienced the January 2010 disaster while visiting the mission located inland from the earthquake’s epicenter in Port-au-Prince.

Upon her return, Freebury organized the first Haiti Mercy Mission benefit, then began speaking across the valley to raise money and awareness of the mission’s work with orphans as well as schools and churches. Her most recent trip took place in December.

During her fourth visit, she identified the mission’s most pressing need as completing a new kitchen and dining hall building. She said the small facilities now in use contributed to a knife accident that injured an orphan’s eye.

“We never know day to day what new crisis might happen,” Freebury said.

It was three unexpected medical emergencies late last year that drained $11,000 set-aside to finish the new kitchen/dining hall complex. She decided to make finishing the buildings the goal of the March 11 benefit.

“I’m just doing a freewill offering,” she said. “I’m also asking people to bring an item for the local food bank.”

For more information on the mission, go to www.haitimercymission.com. For information on the concert, contact Freebury at 752-1153 or gfreebury@centurytel.net.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.