LIFT is Building Community Through Music, Learning, and Connection

By Julia Mazurek / Photos courtesy of Ingrid Bonne Photography

A conversation about community evolved into something much bigger for Elmhurst residents Bill and Jenny Riddle. 

Last fall, the couple wondered: How could they bring people together in a meaningful way while also introducing their vision for a new community initiative? 

The answer came in the form of one of the most recognizable songs in music history.

“I was reading an article about the 40th anniversary of ‘We Are the World,’ and I thought – what if we recreated the song here in Elmhurst?” Jenny remembers. 

In December 2025, more than 125 community members gathered at Bethel United Church of Christ for a live recreation and professional recording of “We Are the World.” 

Originally recorded in 1985 by more than 40 artists, the song famously raised more than $60 million for humanitarian relief efforts and became an iconic symbol of unity and collective purpose.

For the Riddles, recreating the song was about more than nostalgia. 

“Bethel has this great facility that is underutilized,” says Jenny. “We started thinking about how this facility could be used in ways to bring people together in non-denominational ways.”  

Left: Attendees of all ages came together for the event. Right: The performance featured soloists in addition to a community chorus.

That idea served as the genesis for LIFT, a new community learning center for which Jenny and Bill serve as co-directors. Housed at Bethel UCC, LIFT — which stands for Learning, Inspiration, Fellowship, and Transformation — was created to serve the wider community with an inclusive gathering space for anyone seeking creativity, learning, conversation, and connection.

“Our ‘We Are the World’ event really encapsulated our goal, which is to bring people together in meaningful, engaging, and fun ways,” Jenny continues. “Eye-to-eye, face-to-face, heart-to-heart.”  

Music and performance are at the heart of both Bill’s and Jenny’s careers. Bill is the former chairperson of the performing arts department at York Community High School. Jenny’s career as a keynote speaker, storyteller, communications consultant, and co-owner of an independent bookstore is centered around connection through stories and shared experiences.

LIFT’s programming reflects that broad vision. Unique offerings have included public speaking workshops, life skills classes, a square dancing class, mindfulness courses, cooking experiences, music production classes, and forums exploring topics such as mental health.  A summer mini-session is planned, and a full fall catalog is in the works.  

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Our programming is eclectic, engaging, and diverse,” Jenny adds. “People keep saying – ‘Thank you for providing this opportunity,’ or ‘We’re so happy to have found our people.’” 

The impact of the “We Are the World” event continues to resonate beyond Elmhurst. This fall, Jenny will speak at an International Leadership Association conference in Toronto on the topic of “Leadership Through Shared Experience.” This event serves as an example of how intentional, collective experiences can help people feel connected to something larger than themselves.

Four decades later, the message of “We Are the World” remains relevant. And in Elmhurst, the Riddles are building community by bringing people together – to sing, to learn, to laugh, and to belong.

For more information, visit bethel-ucc.org/LIFT

Over 125 community members came together to recreate “We Are the World.”