On Nov. 27, local musicians gathered for the annual Joyce and Bill Toms Thanksgiving Benefit Concert. For the past 14 years the Toms family has organized an evening of great music and fellowship to raise awareness and thousands of dollars in support of local charities serving people in need.
This year’s beneficiary was Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit organization that uses music to create innovative programming, experiences and vocational opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. While our local newscasters were concentrating on Black Friday sales and our national anchors spewed their particular spin of doom and despair, they failed to capture one of the most important stories of the season — the story of people sharing their gifts and talents to help others.
Author Kurt Vonnegut once quipped that his epitaph should read: “The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music.” Indeed, there was plenty of proof at the Hard Rock Café that night.
Keith Kondrich
Swisshelm Park