On Sunday, October 13th, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) hosted the 5th annual Fiesta de Arte at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL. The fundraising event was a silent auction featuring a local artist’s work along with other gift baskets donated by friends, supporters and local businesses. Guests mingled while being fed with delicious appetizers and refreshments while listening to a brief talk about the Foundation’s work.
This year’s featured artist, Mary Lu O’Halloran, lives in Geneva and comes from a long line of artists in her family. Her work has been displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago among other places and we were deeply moved to have her create and donate several beautiful pieces specifically for our event. Mary Lu and her husband, John, met Alyssa socially and became lovely friends before Alyssa’s parents had the opportunity to meet them. Mary Lu and John were early supporters of AAFH and actually made the first musical instrument donation that our organization gave to a teenage girl in April 2015.
Mary Lu wowed us with her art and said a few words about her memories of Alyssa and the spiritual inspiration that guided the works she created. Alyssa’s Mom and President of AAFH, Yoli, then spoke to thank Mary Lu, the donors and guests before introducing our latest gift recipient Rosalia’s mom, Teresa Majera. Teresa talked about Rosalia and the challenges she has been going through since being diagnosed with leukemia last September. Rosalia heard about AAFH at Lurie Children’s Hospital through Willow Messier-Art Therapist, and submitted her gift request for professional art supplies. Unfortunately, Rosalia could not attend the event but will be presented with her professional art supplies gift at a later time soon.
Teresa shared with all of us in attendance the emotional struggle that impacts the entire family when a family member is stricken with a life-threatening disease. We remember it well and pray for the health of their family. We are happy that we can provide a positive outlet for patients and their families when we share Alyssa’s love of art and music through the work of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.
As always, we are grateful to the support shown by our extended family of AAFH supporters. A list of our many donors including our host, El Molcajete Restaurant, can be found by going to our Sponsor tab on our website.
Thank you all for a wonderful afternoon and a successful Fiesta de Arte!
