Trócaire (pronounced tráwk-er-uh) is an Irish word that means compassion. It is also the name of an Irish NGO (non-governmental organization) that was founded in 1973.

Many years ago I met the man who is now regional manager for Trócaire in Asia. After reading about his work and the tragedy of the flooding in Pakistan I was moved to action. I went to the Trócaire website and made a donation. On the site I read about a fund raising effort they had in Ireland during the last week September called Trad for Trócaire. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (fiddle player in the band Altan) made a video encouraging musicians and venues all around Ireland “to host a session, play a session or support a session in aid of Trócaire.”

I thought, this is something I can do! It was too late for me to organize something for that week but I contacted Trócaire and they were thrilled with the idea of International support. I felt assured that the funds donated would be spent well and would go directly to helping the poor people suffering so much. I went in search of a venue and Scot Renfro agreed to host the concerts in his art gallery.

Trócaire’s website describes their work this way:

Trócaire meaning ‘compassion’ in Irish is at the heart of our work in Africa, Asia and Latin America where we support communities in their efforts to improve their lives, meet their basic needs and ensure their human dignity. This support is offered regardless of race, gender, religion or politics and in a spirit of solidarity.

It’s our partnership approach that really makes Trócaire different. When we help people, we work with them, so that they drive the entire process themselves.

Solutions are not imposed on the people we help. Instead, they become the authors of their own destiny. During emergency appeals such as the current Pakistan Flood Appeal, 100% of each donation is spent directly responding to the emergency.

On November 6, 2010 the band Looney’s Fortune performed two “Trad for Trócaire” concerts in Los Angeles. Attendees enjoyed the high energy, joyful music in a beautiful art gallery (The Scot Renfro Gallery in Westchester, California) and the attendees were extremely generous.

On November 28, 2010 from 4:00-6:00pm Looney’s Fortune will be performing another concert to aid Trócaire in their Pakistan relief efforts. The concert will be held in the backyard of a private residence in Mission Viejo (seating is limited). A donation in any amount is your ticket to the concert! (suggested donation $10 minimum) Your donation may be tax-deductible, check with your accountant.

Looney’s Fortune is Patti Amelotte (hammered dulcimer and vocals), Georgiana Hennessy (fiddle and vocals) and Matt Tonge (guitar). We play traditional Irish music and songs. Looney’s Fortune met years ago playing in an Irish pub called Looney’s Tavern. We honor the memory of those good times and feel fortunate that we continue to share friendship and great music together.

For more information, reservations, to make a donation or to offer to host another concert, please e-mail Patti Amelotte at patti@pattiamelotte.com.