Honoring Handel’s Legacy of Compassion
When Handel premiered Messiah in Dublin in 1742, he dedicated its first performance to charitable causes that provided medical care and relief to the most vulnerable members of the community. That spirit of generosity has been part of the work’s identity ever since.
Spire Chamber Ensemble is proud to continue this tradition by partnering with Children’s Mercy during our December 23 performance of Messiah. Just as Handel used his music to bring healing and hope, we invite our audience to support Kansas City families facing medical challenges.
How You Can Help
Audience members attending Spire Chamber Ensemble’s performance of Handel’s Messiah are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a financial contribution to Children’s Mercy. Even those not attending the performance may make a financial donation. Your generosity helps provide comfort, play, and moments of joy for children receiving care throughout the year.
To ensure the safety and well-being of every patient, Children’s Mercy can accept only items that are:
- New with tags attached
- In original packaging
- Latex-free, non-toxic, and odor-free
- Not gift-wrapped
- Seasonally appropriate
For a full list of most-needed items and guidelines, view Children’s Mercy’s In-Kind Giving wishlist and instructions: https://www.spirechamberensemble.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Childrens-Mercy-In-Kind-Most-Needed-Items.pdf
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration reflects a lineage of compassion that stretches from Dublin in 1742 to Kansas City today. By giving, you become part of the living legacy of Messiah—a work whose power has always extended beyond the concert hall to serve those most in need.
Thank you for helping Spire and Children’s Mercy bring warmth, joy, and hope to families this season.
Founded in 1897, Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, educating caregivers and breakthrough innovation to create a world of wellbeing for all children. With not-for-profit hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, and numerous specialty clinics in both states, Children’s Mercy provides the highest level of care for children. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Children’s Mercy as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.” Children’s Mercy is also the first health care system in Missouri or Kansas to receive six consecutive Magnet designations for excellence in nursing. More than 800 pediatric specialists, researchers and faculty are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research and education of the next generation of pediatric specialists. Thanks to generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s Mercy provides hope, comfort and the prospect of brighter tomorrows to every child who passes through its doors. Visit Children’s Mercy and the Children’s Mercy Research Institute to learn more, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagr