Saturday commemorates the 10th anniversary of the tragic shootings at two Jewish facilities in Overland Park, Kansas. These horrifying incidents claimed the lives of Reat Underwood, William Corporon, and Terri LaManno.
Over the course of the next decade, Mindy Corporon, daughter of William and mother of Reat, took it upon herself to establish a non-profit organization called SevenDays. The primary objective of this organization is to combat hatred by fostering kindness and empathy through educational initiatives and open conversations.
Music has been a healing medium for individuals recovering from this tragedy. To ensure the continuation of this healing process, the Community Kindness Festival is being held at the Jewish Community Center.
Kate Cosentino, a native of Overland Park, is set to headline the festival. Growing up singing at the Jewish Community Center, she has a unique connection to this tragedy.
“My cousin Terri LaManno was one of the victims, and many of my friends were auditioning inside at that time,” Cosentino shared. “The experience was incredibly distressing. It’s like being frozen in fear, feeling helpless and overwhelmed.”
Over the past decade, she has developed an even stronger attachment to music.
She expressed, “I have a story to share, either from my own experiences or from someone else’s. And I believe that’s the true power of music.”
Now residing in Nashville, she has transitioned into a successful career as a full-time singer-songwriter. Many may recognize her as a talented vocalist who graced the stage of NBC’s “The Voice,” where she showcased her skills and made it to the Knockout Round.
Cosentino has found multiple ways to spread kindness, including performing at the festival in her hometown on Sunday. This act serves as a testament to the power of music, which rises above the limitations of words.
Cosentino expressed that when you are part of a community, the impact of a situation becomes even more profound. It allows for a deeper understanding and connection to the experiences of those around you. He emphasized the importance of developing empathy towards others in order to foster a stronger sense of community.
