A local nonprofit hopes that a unique fundraiser will hit a high note for children and their families who are grieving a serious medical condition or the death of a loved one.
Tu Nidito Children & Family Services (https://tunidito.org/), “Your Little Nest,” will present Dueling Pianos at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 at Site 17 Event Center, 840 E. 17th St.
“This is a fun event. We always say that the grief work we do here at Tu Nidito can be really difficult, and this is a fun way to bring people together to support that work in a really different and celebratory way,” said Meghan Reinold, Director of Development for Tu Nidito.
Dueling Pianos will feature Arizona Dueling Pianos artists Wes Ringel and Andy Salmonsen showcasing their skills on grand pianos. The entertainers will play songs requested in exchange for tips. The audience can pool tips to increase the likelihood that a song of choice will be played; all tips benefit Tu Nidito.
People are also reading…
The repertoire encompasses all genres: Country, pop, classic rock, Top 40 and hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The result is a high-energy evening of live music, singing and dancing.
“You can stop someone’s request by tipping or get your song played through tipping. It is a fun, friendly competition and different way to raise money. They play favorites by Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Jimmy Buffett and many other artists ... just about anything someone could ask for,” Reinold said.
Reinold said that the fundraiser seeks to raise $55,000 to support Tu Nidito programs — which are provided in English and Spanish at no cost to families — while helping to promote awareness about the organization’s mission to ensure that “no child grieves alone.”
The goal is to provide a supportive environment that helps prevent unresolved emotions from potentially causing significant issues into adulthood, according to Amanda Marks, Program Director at Tu Nidito.
“Creating a safe space for children and teens to feel acknowledged in their grief is crucial for their emotional well-being. When young people have a place where they can openly express their feelings without fear of judgment, it allows them to process their grief in a healthy way,” Marks said.
