By the time I returned to the studio, I realized that the recording project was intended to help others in need and decided to donate money from each album sold. After a year long search for a worthwhile cause, Peter's mother introduced me to two organizations in our community that support families in a medical crisis. I met with both of the directors and after hearing about their missions, I realized that each organization had a very specific, important purpose and could not even think about choosing between them. So, I decided to support both. Knowing that there is power in numbers, I wanted to find a way to ask others to join me in fundraising when the thought occurred to me...if people sponsor runners, dancers, walkers, and bicyclists to raise funds, could I ask people to sponsor me to sing? So I started a sponsorship program with family, friends and local businesses and was thrilled to find people that were willing to dollar mach my donations.
Once the production phase of the album was finished, I was very fortunate to receive a phone call from a nice reporter who asked if she could report the story about our fundraising. After spending two days with the news crew, Peggy Dolan, Director of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, Mary Ellen Fitzgerald, Director of The Breathing Room Foundation, and my nephew, our local PBS station aired a beautifully told story about all of our efforts to help families in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey who are in need. If you would like to view the TEMPO! webcast, click here, scroll down to February 6-10, then click on show #329 >
Since the album release, I have discovered that fundraising can be successful with the help of others. With so many organizations out there asking for our generosity, how can we give enough? Television ads, newspapers, the morning news, even a trip to the local market can present us with the opportunity to feel generous and open our wallets or deal with guilt. It's impossible to donate to every cause that comes along...no matter how much we want to. So, with help from some friends who are graciously donating their time with me, we opened a online store. Both the online store and a natural products line called Nature's Rhapsody were created to help us reach our goal while offering our supporters something in return for their kindness...quality products. Through a growing line of gourmet herbal teas, all natural body care, hand-crafted jewelry, and music we hope to reach our goal of $20,000 for families in need. Like the album, all proceeds from our sales will go directly to the organizations. I have been enjoying the creative process behind each item very much and hope you enjoy them too.
My hope and prayers are for the store to blossom to a place where it will supply steady funds so no family will ever be turned away. If you would like to support us by shopping, please visit the online store >
If you're wondering about my nephew Peter...right now, he is four years old, in remission, and cute as can be...especially when he calls me "Aunt Tris." God is good! In a world of hope, we can all be a bridge over troubled water...
In 2002, I was given the opportunity to record a song as a keepsake for my family. When I began, I had no idea my small, private experience would take me on an amazing three year journey. Every time I thought my musical project was nearing an end, a stepping stone would be placed in front of me...gently asking me to continue. Before long, I found myself surrounded by the most incredible producers, arrangers, musicians and engineers a vocalist could ask for. I could hardly believe that one song intended for my family was slowly turning into an entire album. It was then that I began to think my experience had a higher purpose and was meant to reach more people.
During the recording process, I took a break to spend three days on the pediatric floor of the Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Center in New York City. My stay was with the most adorable 20 month old baby, my nephew Peter. I saw and learned so many things during my visit. There are no words to describe the feeling I had when I heard the pain that Peter and the other children had to endure. Watching the children and their families was heart breaking.
Prior to visiting Sloan Kettering, I did not realize the magnitude of the hardships placed on families physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially when caring for someone with a serious illness. At the center, I saw the enormous amount of support that is needed in many different ways. I learned that some families go through these tragic times with a huge outpour of support while other families are broke and alone. I witnessed good things through helpful gestures and was uplifted by the generosity people displayed. When I left, I felt very committed to doing something
to help, even if my contribution would seem relatively small.
Why I Chose To Help Our Neighbors
