I’m so happy that people have been so giving to our foundation in honor of Alyssa! We’ve collected a lot of musical instruments in the last few months! I’ve met a lot of wonderful people who have given us musical instruments, but one particular person came to mind as I write this blog post. I think we all have a story to tell and a personal reason why we give to charity organizations.
A few weeks ago, I met a man named Thomas who wanted to give us musical instruments. Thomas contacted us and said he read the Kane County Chronicle article about the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. He said that after reading the article, he knew that he found the charity that he wanted to give musical instruments to in honor of his wife Dee.
Dee passed away a few years ago. She was a musician and loved music just like Alyssa. Thomas was happy to give Dee’s instruments, which included a cello, electronic keyboard, recorder, flute and clarinet. He admired us for continuing Alyssa’s love of music and the fact that we want to bring the joyful gift of music into the lives of other young people battling cancer.
On Thursday, June 11th, we will deliver seven musical instruments to the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield and Friday, June 12th, we will deliver ten musical instruments to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. We already delivered 8 instruments to the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago during our Maud Powell String Quartet Fundraiser, which took place on Saturday, May 23rd. A total of 25 musical items received by Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope will be donated to these three institutions! Isn’t that amazing!
The Ronald McDonald House in Chicago (RMHC) even established a process to check-in/check-out musical instruments! The children at RMHC will be able to borrow from the Alyssa Alvin Foundation Music Instrument Collection. In addition, RHMC will be including information on how to ‘check-out’ musical instruments in the directory found in every single room. The material will show all of the instruments and music books available for the guests to borrow. Mark, the Senior House Director said, “This wonderful Foundation is allowing children with the opportunity to experience the joy of music in the face of adversity.”
I think it’s a beautiful thing that the children can be creative, have fun and enjoy music while they stay at the House! We are so excited to be able to spread the music! Thank you to all of our donors and sponsors for helping us Give Hope!
Alyssa’s love for music lives on!
Yoli Alvin
