I recently organized a benefit concert for a non-profit agency that provides free tutoring to adults who need help improving their literacy skills. An array of friends donated their time and energy: musicians shared their talents, other friends rolled up their sleeves and gathered raffle items, designed and printed the programs, hosted a lavish post-concert reception, and provided muscle power to set up and break down the chairs and tables. My public radio colleagues helped generate publicity for the event to fill seats and raise awareness of the agency and its vital services. Every aspect of the event was the result of a successful group effort involving many hardworking friends. It was magical and gratifying and a big success.
More and more, I appreciate the tremendous value and pleasure of collaboration. As a musician, collaboration is essential in ensembles of all sizes. And in daily life, constructive partnerships seem to yield the best outcomes — as the saying goes, “Two heads are better than one.” And for the literacy organization that benefited from the concert proceeds, the tutor/student collaborations yield the greatest successes, as well as meaningful and often lasting friendships.
So, I start this new week and the arrival of Spring, with gratitude for my many delightful collaborators. We really do get by with a little help from our friends!
Oh so glad to hear that your tremendous efforts for the cause so dear to you and so many seems
to’ve worked out so wonderfully!!!