The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) prepared a lunch, delivered Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) and celebrated Alyssa’s birthday with the resident families and our guests at RMH in Chicago on Sunday, July 21, 2019. The afternoon included a musical performance by the Salcedo Brothers (Diego and Braulio) and a gift of a pair of sunglasses with our Foundation logo was given to everyone who attended.
Daniel Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin and AAFH Board Member, organized the event and his friends – Chris, Krista, Tim, Lisa, Christina C., prepared a delicious meal which included mixed green salad, pasta salad, meatballs and Italian sausages with cupcakes and fresh fruit for dessert. Much of the food was donated by our volunteers.
After lunch, Alyssa’s family and friends went up to the rooftop where the Salcedo Brothers played Las Mananitas, the Mexican Birthday song, in honor of what would have been Alyssa’s 24th birthday. Yoli, Alyssa’s Mom, ordered 24 painted lady butterflies contained in individual envelopes. George, Alyssa’s Dad, distributed the butterflies to our family and friends who then released them into the Chicago sky overlooking Lake Michigan. Some of the butterflies must have been still groggy from their journey and didn’t take flight immediately, some flew just as far as the plants on the rooftop and others ventured out further.
In her young life, Alyssa ventured far and experienced as much as she could while inspiring many people along the way. She continues to be an inspiration in our lives and she touches many others through the Foundation established in her memory.
We thank all the dear family, friends and volunteers who prepared and cleaned up after the lunch, the Salcedo Brothers, the RMH staff and the families who enjoyed the meals and learned about Alyssa’s love for the visual arts and music.
