Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held its 3rd Annual Music Benefit Recital on May 7, 2017 at Geneva High School where Alyssa graduated from.  The recital was hosted by Ashlee and Glen Schneider who are both on the AAFH Board. Ashlee was Alyssa’s piano teacher for ten years beginning when Alyssa turned 4.

This year’s Benefit Recital featured students from Ashlee’s studio, Glen’s Matea Valley High School and Geneva High School.   The musicians played a variety of music from classical artists such as Bach, Chopin, Mozart and a beautiful piano arrangement called "River Flows in You" by Yiruma played by Ashlee and Glen’s daughter, Corrine.

A gift request of an acoustic guitar is being honored for our latest recipient, Ailani Banuelos, an 11 year old girl being treated with Osteosarcoma at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, IL.  Ailani was invited to attend and receive her guitar, however, due to another commitment, she was not able to attend.  Mireya, Ailani’s mother, wrote a brief email informing us that Ailani received one of Alyssa’s Starter Art Kits (SAKs) during one of her admittances to Rush Hospital.  Mireya said, “What your Foundation does is amazing!”.   Mireya went on to tell us that when Ailani started treatment she began drawing art, something she never had any interest in before.  Ailani learned how to paint with acrylics and looked forward to going to the hospital as an opportunity for her to draw.  Art was something positive and fun for her to focus on during all the struggles she had to go through.

Thank you to all the musicians who participated in this year’s music recital to benefit the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and the dedicated volunteers who helped secure the GHS auditorium – Julie Lawrence (GHS Orchestra Director) and Mr. Neal Shipton-GHS Band Director), our photographer - Martina Josimovska, and the bakers – Mary Jane, Julie Dalpiaz and Chris Coconate. 

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