Speakeasy Concert To Raise Money for SOS Health Clinic
Hear that? It’s the sound of a good cause
By Pan Deines ’26
On Saturday, Oct. 26, Whitman College’s SOS Volunteer Club will host its annual Speakeasy Concert, at 7 p.m. in Cordiner Hall. Admission to the concert is a freewill donation in any amount. This event is open to the public, and proceeds will support SOS Health Services, an urgent care clinic in College Place that provides health care to people without adequate health insurance.
Alicia Fogarty ’25 is Fundraising Coordinator for the SOS Volunteer Club. Club members volunteer at SOS Health Services, which runs fully on donations. Outside of volunteering, the Speakeasy Concert is the club’s main fundraiser for the clinic.
“Any money we raise goes directly to them so they can continue providing compassionate, accessible healthcare in the Walla Walla Valley, and it allows our club members who can't actively volunteer at the clinic to contribute without having to leave campus,” says Fogarty.
The Speakeasy will welcome all three of Whitman’s a cappella groups to perform at the event: Schwa, a mixed vocal group; the Sirens, a soprano-alto group; and the Testostertones, a tenor-bass group.
Photography by Kim Fetrow ’96 of Kim Fetrow Photography
Stella Coomes ’25, a member of the Sirens, is looking forward to the event, which will be the Sirens’ first performance of the semester. Coomes is excited to share the group’s hard work with the community.
“The Speakeasy is one of my favorite events we perform at!” Coomes says. “It’s really exciting for us to be able to support the SOS health clinic in all the work that they do and see such a big group turn up to show support. It feels like such a celebratory and supportive environment, and it’s always very exciting for us.”
In addition to raising money for the clinic, the SOS Volunteer Club hopes that the event will connect the clinic to Whitman and the greater Walla Walla community.
“Music has always brought people together, and we are so, so grateful to Whitman's a cappella groups for sharing their time and talent to bring people together for our cause,” says Fogarty.