Longtime friends Erica Stone (from Ozark, MO) and Kelly Weston (from Dexter, MO) have used their voices and their passion for two very different reasons. Their lives have been shaped by two extremes; from the ups and downs of the music business to their unrelenting fight to save orphans in Sierra Leone with the creation of 501 (c)(3), The Raining Season.

The entire journey began with Erica and her husband’s challenge to adopt a child from the plagued African country. After an intense and grueling 3-year process, they finally brought home their little girl Jayda in 2004. It was through that experience that their eyes were opened to the devastating conditions thousands have faced since the end of SL’s brutal civil war. Kelly was right beside Erica and shared the same devotion to the people of Sierra Leone and together, with like-minded volunteers, are now running an orphanage filled with close to 100 children. The two decided they could not wait for their music career to skyrocket to make their voices heard. This is a story about two girls, armed with nothing but the will, passion and their beautiful voices to make a difference.

They have stood up against a corrupt government and child trafficking and continue to work with officials to change the country’s regulations. Their fan club, called The Tribe, is not only a place for fans to follow the music, but also gives them a chance to join the cause. Erica and Kelly’s volunteer network has grown immensely and they consistently bring more people to Sierra Leone, many of which are in the process of adopting children from the orphanage. The Nashville music community has been supportive of the cause, as well, with contributions from artists like Charlie Daniels, Reba, Little Big Town and Sara Evans.

This outreach also coincides with the release of Picking Violets debut single “That Would Be Me” which impacted radio June 15.

Kelly Weston is the former Kelly Miranda of Dexter. She is a graduate of Dexter High School. Her family and friends from home continue to follow her success and kind touch on the world on her Facebook located at KELLY WESTON.

More information on Erica and Kelly can be found at www.pickingviolets.com and/or www.facebook.com/pickingviolets.