Pepperdine and Friends Benefit Concert Raises Funds for Alumni-Founded Organization RaisingHOPE

Pepperdine’s Concert Choir 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.

Ryan Board with the Pepperdine Concert Choir and orchestra 

“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 Sunrise Mass (2008) and John Rutter's Mass of the Children (2003)—with themes dedicated to RaisingHOPE’s mission. Sunrise Mass is distinguished by its sonic portrayal of the luminosity and unfolding warmth of a sunrise—representing the passage from childhood into adulthood along with the intertwined awakening of the human spirit. Rutter's Mass of the Children blends traditional Latin mass texts with English poetry and prayers to express the innocence and challenges 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.” 

Tamalani Barnett (right) with Hayden, former foster adult

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.”