佩珀代因音乐合唱团 partnered with California Young Artists Symphony, the Malibu Middle School Choir, and the Los Robles Children's Choir for the Pepperdine and Friends Benefit Concert, held on April 24, 2025, at the Padre Serra Parish Church in Camarillo, California. Approximately 175 ensemble members performed a selection of classical mass service compositions, which raised $4,500 for RaisingHOPE, an organization founded by alumna Tamalani Barnett (’99, JD ’02) that supports former foster-care youth navigating adulthood responsibilities.

佩珀代因音乐合唱团和管弦乐队的莱恩·博德

“Collaborating with children’s choirs for the benefit of children was our goal,” says Ryan Board, Pepperdine professor of music and director of choral activities. “This was an excellent opportunity for Pepperdine music students to unite the beauty of musical performance with meaningful service to peers their age within the RaisingHOPE organization, founded by Pepperdine alumna, Tami.”

The choir ensemble and symphony orchestra performed two mass service arrangements, Ola Gjeilo's 日出的质量 (2008) and John Rutter's 儿童弥撒 (2003), with themes dedicated to RaisingHOPE’s mission. 日出的质量 is distinguished by its sonic portrayal of the unfolding luminosity of a sunrise, representing the passage from childhood into adulthood along with the awakening of the human spirit. Rutter's 儿童弥撒 integrates traditional Latin mass texts with English poetry and prayers, while meditating on the innocence and trials of childhood.

“The forefront message of this concert was to serve for a purpose beyond one’s self,” says Board. “Amid the disconnection, grief, and volatility of this current world, beauty reminds us of the better side of human existence.”

塔玛拉尼·巴内特（右）和海登，前寄养成人

While practicing as a child welfare lawyer, Barnett often witnessed former foster care youth abruptly face adulthood responsibilities without adequate guidance or financial support. RaisingHOPE provides resources to help those in need secure sustainable housing, medical care, and vehicle ownership along with a mentorship program where young people are paired with trained adult mentors offering life coaching and spiritual guidance, which results in lasting core support systems.

From RaisingHOPE's inception, Barnett assumed the full-time role as executive director, driving the program’s success throughout the greater Ventura County area. Barnett attributes her vocational path to her time spent as a Pepperdine student, where, within the University's purpose-driven, faith-based environment, she realized God’s commission for her life.

“The values Pepperdine espouses in helping students to embody lives of purpose, service, and leadership equipped me for my role with RaisingHOPE,” explains Barnett. “RaisingHOPE was founded on the concept that people need people—specifically, young people need at least one stable caring adult in their lives to increase their chances of success in the world, but also to create a sense of belonging, value and a voice on their behalf.”