In a heartfelt presentation at the recent Evergreen Park government meeting, Anna and Chef Landau Reyes shared their journey of honoring their late son, Alan, through a community initiative that has raised over $20,000 for music education over the past six years. The couple, who founded the program to provide children with access to musical instruments, expressed gratitude for the support from the community, teachers, and students.
The Reyes family plans to continue their involvement in the initiative while transitioning leadership to a foundation that will explore new opportunities to support music education. They announced a fundraising event on September 26, Alan's birthday, at Unidad, where 10% of sales will benefit the cause. The couple will also donate desserts for the occasion.
In addition to the music program, the meeting highlighted the sale of \"Kindness T-shirts,\" designed by a classmate of Alan's, which raised funds to honor his memory. This year, 391 shirts were sold, showcasing the community's commitment to celebrating Alan's legacy.
The meeting also covered various community events, including a successful back-to-school bash and ongoing projects like fulfilling teacher wish lists, which have provided $6,000 in resources for local classrooms. Upcoming initiatives include a food drive and a Grinch breakfast scheduled for December 7, aimed at fostering community spirit during the holiday season.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and support in enhancing educational opportunities for children in Evergreen Park.