Goldman Sachs Volunteers Continue Their Service and Support to Music for Autism
By Laura Lazar.
Since 2010, Music for Autism (M4A) has been so honored to participate in the Goldman Sachs Community Team Works (CTW) Program, which has provided all volunteers for a concert on a given day each year. On July 13, 2013, ten Goldman Sachs volunteers, led by team captains Louise Pitt, who serves as chair of M4A’s Board of Directors and Gregory Ruben, who serves on M4A’s Junior Board of Directors, spent the day with M4A at our hosting partner, the 92nd Street Y. During the day, audiences at two different concerts consisting of over 150 individuals with autism and their families who were encouraged–by the CTW volunteers–to dance and interact with the performers.
The first concert featured the magnificent Doo-Wop Project composed of members of the Broadway casts of “Motown,” “Jersey Boys,” “Pippin” and the recent production of “Hairspray.” The second concert featured trumpeter Ryan Gardner and pianist Inesa Sinkevych. The two concerts were vastly different but hugely appreciated by all audience members whose experience was greatly enhanced by our CTW volunteers. “This particular concert was full of great energy, enthusiasm and an extremely engaged audience,” said Susan, the mother of one of our young concertgoers and a member of the M4A Board. “You could feel the excitement! The room was packed with smiling faces and it was delightful for my family to experience this joyful concert!”
Prior to the first concert, the volunteers took part in a volunteer training with M4A’s US Founder, Dr. Robert Accordino, a physician, researcher and advocate who focuses on serving those with autism and their families. Between concerts, the volunteers took part in an educational lunch where Robert answered questions in an open discussion on M4A’s mission and the state of science on autism and autism services in general. The CTW volunteers participated in a day of service and education that all involved found enjoyable and enriching.Thank you so much to all of our fabulous Community Team Works friends for sharing this experience with our Music for Autism family!
