EVANS CITY — It's not every day that a group of friends singing together can raise more than $13,000 for local charities. But, every six months, these thousands pour in, with Circle of Friends performing.

Circle of Friends is a choir that touts its mission statement of sharing faith in God through Christian and secular music while supporting communities in need.

“The key (to our group) is to make sure we are inclusive,” said its creative director, David English.

Even if it means learning a different language, including Swahili, English said the group picks a wide range of songs, including ones from the movie “The Greatest Showman” or from pop groups such as One Direction that were included in last spring's concert.

“We kind of teach with a subliminal message,” English said of the chorus' goal for diversity. “Once people hear and learn, they respect it.”

Circle of Friends prides itself in never touching the donation funds, English said. Dues alone sustain the choir, and all the money gathered at shows is given to the chosen charity.

Charities are vetted by the choir before being picked as beneficiaries, partially because the charity must provide performance space. It's common for churches to provide space on behalf of the charity so the beneficiary may receive more funding.

Some of the organizations helped in the past include those that work with suicide prevention, food cupboards and ministries that send children to summer camps. Circle of Friends has even expanded its reach to aid countries in Asia and Africa in the past.

Over the years, Circle of Friends has raised more than $100,000 for local needs.

For more information, visit www.acofchoirs.com or find Circle of Friends on Facebook.

This is an excerpt — learn more about the group in the Butler Eagle.