Students of Mrs. Carol McCulloch (Lala’s Piano Players) presented their annual Christmas Piano Recital on Sunday afternoon, December 5, at Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Vinton.
Twenty-three of her thirty-one students participated by sharing a variety of beautiful seasonal arrangements.
“As always, the audience was treated to unique performances by typical and special needs pianists,” McCulloch said. “They all bring their distinct personalities and talents to the performance, and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one!”
For the past ten years, LaLa’s piano family has also given back to the community by choosing a non-profit organization to support, concluding the donation drive on recital Sunday.
This year’s recipient was The Friendship House of Roanoke which does outstanding work supporting numerous needs of those less fortunate in the Valley.
“I was absolutely humbled and so very grateful that we were be to raise a total of $1367 thanks to the generosity of our piano family and friends!” McCulloch said.
“It is truly wonderful what can happen for good when people come together in a kindred spirit. Their music is heavenly, but their kindness is like a piece of heaven on earth.”
Friendship House works to find safe and secure housing for refugee families while also providing household items, food, and English tutoring. They run an After School Program for elementary and middle school students. The non-profit serves an average of 100 households per week throughout the year with fresh and non-perishable food and hygiene items. They partner with local restaurants and grocery stores to provide fresh meat, produce, bakery, and non-perishable items.
Friendship House also provides pastoral counseling and prayer support to participants.
They prepare Holiday Food Baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each year, Friendship House provides school supplies for approximately 100 students in the area. Each year at Christmas, they operate Christmas Toy Store, which sells new toys at deeply discounted prices for their families. Funds raised from the Christmas store support the After School Program.
Visit www.thefriendshiphouse.org for more information on the non-profit.
More photos and recital highlights will soon be available on Facebook (La’s Piano Page) and on www.lalaspianoplayers.com.