The Thaddeus Lake Music Foundation for Disadvantaged Children

 An important new post from Sound and Noise - University of Alberta Students on Music

On November 26th, 2011, in the early hours of the morning, my cousin Thaddeus Lake and his two friends Kole and Brad were headed home to rest when they were hit from behind by a drunk driver. All three boys – Thaddeus at 22 years old, Kole and Brad both 18 – were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

I will always remember Thaddeus for his smile, his passion, his energy, and his lifelong enthusiasm for music. An accomplished musician himself in the local circuit, Thad jumped over the municipal fence and took off last year, touring across Canada and into the United States.

Shortly before his passing, Thaddeus had set out to conquer a task much bigger than himself. Since music had been a crucial guide in his own walk of life, Thad wanted to ensure that others could have the same chance. A native of Leduc who put countless hours of effort into putting on shows and getting people involved in the music scene, he looked to take that desire just one step further.

In his passing, his family carries on his goal and has set up the Thaddeus Lake Music Foundation for Disadvantaged Children. It is a foundation whose primary goal is to remove economic barriers that may prevent our local children from participating in music. “Through recommendations of the Leduc and area music teachers, children may be provided funds as required to attend lessons or nationally accredited competitions or the provision of musical instruments.”

As long as I live, I know that I will never forget the feeling of that phone call. It’s the kind of spin kind that leaves you sick and begging for air.

Once the dust begins to clear, I know that I must do all that I can to make true his intention. Reader, I ask only for whatever form of support you can honestly contribute. As a university student, I understand what it’s like to have little or no money around. If you find yourself unable to make a donation, all I would ask is that you help to spread the word about my cousin’s noble pursuit. Perhaps you or someone you know has an instrument fallen silent in storage that could be well appreciated by a child in need.

So far we’ve received overwhelming support from the community and are incredibly thankful for the work being done. Together, we can each do our part to ensure that this cause is not ignored; that this brave voice not fall silent.

Please do what you can.

You can find any information on the charity’s Facebook page.

My sincerest regards,

Sam Maroney


http://thesoundandnoise.com/2012/01/26/the-thaddeus-lake-music-foundation-for-disadvantaged-children/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thaddeus-Lake-Music-Foundation/151410928300442