Newsletter

Ada Piano Students Provide 27,600 Meals

Fall 2015
Every year, piano teacher Sherry Van Overen organizes a piano recital for her students at Ada Congregational Church, and every year she takes a collection for Feeding America West Michigan. Since 2009, Sherry and her students have quietly raised more than $6,900 — the equivalent of 27,600 meals.

Sherry feels it's important for her students, many of whom come from privileged backgrounds, to be aware of the need that exists in West Michigan. "To play just for the accolades of their parents is fine, but they work really hard," Sherry said, and she wanted to show them how they can use their efforts to make a difference. "The families get really involved."

This summer's recital alone funded nearly 6,000 meals.

"You get such a big bang for the buck from the donation," Sherry said. "That's one of the reasons we stuck with the program. It does a lot to help in our own backyard."