Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) set up a table at this event with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for our gift giving programs on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
While selling homemade jewelry, musical notes masks, and copies of artwork created by Alyssa, we shared with attendees the college scholarships available to GHS seniors majoring in art and music. Information was also shared regarding our art and music gift recipient programs available to children and young adults facing life-threatening illnesses.
Between performances that evening, Band Director, Neal Shipton and two student officers of the Tri-M Chapter presented AAFH with money raised from their chapter membership. The selflessness and generosity that this demonstrated was a powerful statement of the sense of community that Geneva High School and AAFH share. We want to thank Mr. Shipton for his invitation to the high school and the school’s support of our Foundation in Alyssa’s memory.
Even more impactful that evening was getting the chance to see a teacher and fellow parent while Alyssa attended Geneva High School, Mr. Brian Burns. Brian and Yoli got a chance to share some memories of their respective daughters who were classmates and dear friends growing up.
And the best surprise of all was to see Brian’s daughter, Renner, who is now also teaching at Geneva High School! Yoli and Renner laughed, cried, hugged, and reminisced over memories of Alyssa and caught up on each other’s present activities. It was wonderful to see one of Alyssa’s school friends blossom into such a beautiful and caring young woman.
The evening was a huge fundraising success and important on many other levels as well. As many of you know, last year was the first time that AAFH granted $1,000 scholarships to two GHS seniors pursuing college degrees in the fields of art and music.
This year we wanted to personally encourage GHS seniors to apply for the scholarship program and the Yuletide Festival provided the perfect opportunity to do so. It was a great pleasure to meet and get re-acquainted with GHS staff including the music directors Pat Frederick, Krista Halvorson, Jessica Heinrich, Neil Shipton and school principal Tom Rogers.
Thanks go out to all the wonderful attendees at the GHS holiday music festival who purchased items to support our mission and gift giving programs.
This holiday season, please click here DONATE to make a difference in a young person’s life going through their medical treatment.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas!
