Kelly Hall-Tompkins writes:
Dear Friends of Music Kitchen,
A short quiz: You know it’s fall when,
a. The leaves begin to turn magnificent shades of gold and magenta
b. When you put on that jacket that you swore you had on comfortably just
last week, but have to run back inside to change to something warmer
last week, but have to run back inside to change to something warmer
c. Non-profit organizations start asking you to contribute to their fall
campaigns
d. All of the above
Yes, I want to let you know that the
Music Kitchen Fall fundraising drive is officially on now! There has
never been a better time to contribute to the pioneer program nationwide
which brings top artists to New York City Homeless Shelters, because in
7 years Music Kitchen has accomplished so many important goals:
reaching over 10,000 of New York City’s homeless shelter clients in 63
performances, engaging over 100 top artists from New York City and
around the world.
It is such an incredible joy to share music in this
way, for underserved communities that rarely get in to our concerts in
the big halls, that more and more great artists are approaching me about
participating from outside New York City! In addition to Albrecht
Mayer, the principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic, who has
performed twice for Music Kitchen audiences, Concert Artist Guild
competition winners Calmus, vocal ensemble of Leipzig, Germany, and the
Brazil Guitar duo, have moved listeners with their performances. In
addition, I look forward to presenting a piano quartet called EMIC –
Ensemble Made In Canada, the members with which I recently performed in
Toronto.
In addition, Music Kitchen has received numerous invitations
from around the country to expand to other areas (stay tuned for more
news on that!), but a most exciting milestone has already occurred last
season- the first ever international Music Kitchen performance which
took place at Coeur de Femmes women’s shelter in Paris, France! Do you
remember a time in your life when a seemingly small moment was the
pivotal catalyst of inspiration which changed the course of your life?
I
remember one of mine - it was when a string quartet came to my
elementary school to perform and I knew from that moment that I wanted
to be a professional violinist. Maybe for you it was when you finally
got a loan for that business idea that, despite all the negative odds
and lots of no’s you just knew you could make it work, or that teacher
that gave you encouragement when you thought you might give up, or the
first time you hung your degree from medical school on the wall, or that
work of art at the museum which seemed to put so many things in
perspective...
Well, as founder and President of Music Kitchen – Food for the Soul, I have witnessed many moments created between great artists and homeless clients at their wits end, only after
the music has sounded, which just may prove to be that shift for many.
In a tough economy, I have seen that the need could not be greater, but
also that the transition from agitation to tranquility, if only for an
hour of music but often well beyond, is accomplished through music where other attempts fail.
It is often said that people will not contribute to anything unless
asked directly -- So I am asking you to give generously to allow Music
Kitchen to continue bringing great chamber music – the intimate music of
community – to the members of our community who need it most.
But don’t just take my word for it; see what some of our listeners are saying:
You have
recharged my heart in the space of 15 minutes - thank you for recharging
my heart, thank you for this journey and this generosity. It warmed my
heart. Despite my problems, I took much pleasure in listening. I cried
tears of happiness and joy. Thank you so much Madame Kelly - I am very
touched by your generosity and your heart. May God bless you. Thank
you so much. Magali
I love your
arrival. I believe your presence has done us much good. I thank the
good Lord for your presence, what you have done and for your wisdom.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Music Kitchen Founder and President
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