Two Ambassadors Named as Young Singers Help Bring "Hope to the Children"


By: Cecily Markland


At the Hope for the Children Event, a concert to benefit orphans and children in foster care, American Idol's Brooke White was the headliner and head judge in the contest to name the Senior and Junior Ambassadors of Hope for Children. Shown (left to right) is the program producer, Kirsten Millsap; one of the judges, William Joseph; Senior Ambassador winner, Cody Darr; Brooke; Junior Ambassador winner, Anna Collins; judges, Andy Biggs and Brian Trotter; and emcee for the event, Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. Photo by Cecily Markland.




A recent convert to the Church and fairly new to stage performing, 20-year-old Cody Darr says, with both, he has found where he belongs and wants to continue to improve and to share.

With plans to serve a mission as soon as possible and with the win of a recent talent search, it appears that Cody is doing just that.

A member of his Oasis Verde Ward, Apache Junction Stake, told Cody about the talent search being conducted by Family Watch International as part of the "Hope for the Children Event." At the benefit concert, American Idol Finalist Brooke White was to be the headliner and the youth finalists would perform.

"This was a unique, participatory event, designed to raise awareness and to give members of the community opportunities to both learn about the plight of orphans and children in foster care and to 'do unto others' by donating their time, talents and resources to assist these vulnerable children," says Sharon Slater, of the Gilbert 9th Ward, Val Vista Stake, who is president of Family Watch International and one of the organizers of the event.

Though drawn to the opportunity, Cody was hesitant.

"I have always found something really magical in music," he says.

Raised by a single mom, Cody loved hearing her sing with a friend. Though he started playing piano at a young age, he was mostly self-taught.

"I learned on a terrible, old digital piano, then, when I was eight or nine, we got an upright piano that was not too great still," he says.

For several years, Cody turned to music as a way of coping.

"I was really having a hard time for seven or eight years," Cody says. "Music was my escape."

He started singing at 17, but was a "closet singer. Very, very shy about it," he says.

Still, Cody auditioned, emerged as one of 12 finalists, and, at the May Hope for the Children Event, played the piano and sang Paul McCartney's "Imagine."

At the culmination of the evening, announced first was the Junior Ambassador, Anna Collins, 16, who had played the guitar and sung her original song, "As Strong as You."

Cody says when his name was announced as Senior Ambassador, "It was the weirdest surprise ever. I didn't expect it at all. There were so many really, really talented people."

But, he adds, "I was happy I was able to put my heart into it and people could see that."

"My favorite part about music is that it has a way of making someone want to do something good."

Cody says, for that reason, it was well worth it just to participate in the event.

"Even if I didn't win, it was a great privilege to carry the message about hope for orphans and foster children and to be part of something that is such a good cause."

Cody-who joined the Church just a year ago, after spending time with the family of David Archuleta, another Latter-day Saint of American Idol fame-says he feels similar about sharing the gospel.

The cash prize he won will go into his mission fund.

"It's really a blessing how it all came together," he says.

"I feel confident that I know what Heavenly Father wants for my life and that is to serve a mission," Cody adds. "I just need to take it as it comes and be really prayerful. Oh, and save as much as I can."

Following his mission, Cody intends to pursue a career in music.

"I have realized I love it way too much to not make it a top priority," he says. "I'll just have to see where God takes me with that."

To make a donation or to learn how your family or business can help, visit www.familiesfororphans.org.