Once again, the Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) Music program hosted their annual benefit concert supporting LifePath’s efforts in the community. For the past 21 years and beyond, the NMH school’s faculty, staff, and students have all come together to help raise much-needed funds in support of LifePath’s many programs and services. Aimed at supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers alike, LifePath provides opportunities for people to maintain a level of independence within their homes with dignity and respect. It takes long-standing partnerships such as this to truly make LifePath’s programs possible year after year.
The two-hour performance contained a variety of musical pieces, covering band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles, including Colonel Bogey March; Scenes from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky; When the Saints Go Marching In; and Romanian Folk Dances by Bartok; just to name a few. It was so wonderful to listen to and enjoy the musical talents of students come to life. Conducted and compiled by Steven Bathory-Peeler, Orchestra and Band Concert Director, as well as Ron Smith, Director of Music Programs for the Northfield Mount Hermon school, the school had been practicing for the concert since the beginning of January in preparation.
LifePath staff were on hand at an information table promoting program offerings and volunteer opportunities, as they interacted with concert attendees making their way into the auditorium of the Rhodes Arts Center on the school’s beautiful campus. At the end of intermission, a presentation was made by Bathory-Peeler, Smith, and Grace Huang, student representative for the Penguin Pals Student Club, explaining that they raised over $1,000 through their collective efforts. These efforts even included a fundraising dinner the night before, coordinated by the Penguin Pals Student Club, which focuses on supporting older adults in their local community through fundraisers on campus, hosting pen pal programs, volunteering at nursing homes, and organizing awareness campaigns.
Gary Yuhas, LifePath’s Executive Director, was also on hand to accept the donation and shared some remarks with the crowd about the positive impact that LifePath plays throughout our community in helping to support our local neighbors. During his remarks, he highlighted the importance of building positive partnerships with one another and collaborating together on projects such as this, where both sides benefit greatly from the experience.
As LifePath celebrates its 50th Anniversary, we are truly thankful to so many people who have partnered with us over the years. Much like our partnership with the Northfield Mount Hermon school, collaboration and new ways of thinking have allowed LifePath to provide positive, life-changing programs for residents throughout Franklin County and the North Quabbin region.
