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This beautiful estate was the site of a 1995 estate concert to benefit health care in a poor urban setting. This restored late Victorian mansion built by industrialist Henry Clay Frick showcases the art, architecture, furnishings and decorative arts acquired by the Fricks in the 1880's and 90's. Helen Clay Frick built The Frick Art Museum in 1969 to house her sizeable collection of fine and decorative arts. The museum's permanent collection of Italian, French and Flemish paintings, sculptures and decorative objects is highlighted by outstanding works by Peter Paul Rubens, Giovanni di Paolo and Francois Boucher. |
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A Sick Child, A Poor Town, A Hospital of Hope ... Imagine for a moment, being very poor and your child is in need of a lifesaving operation. You have no health insurance and not being able to access healthcare for your child, your child dies or lives a life of little potential due to the debilitating illness. This is, sad to say, a scenario which is all too often playing out in our society, as families are economically pressured to take all available wages simply to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Outside Pittsburgh, in a little depressed community along the banks of the river, is a town called Braddock. It is a difficult area hard-hit by steel mill closures. The little town shows its struggle to survive in closed down storefronts and crumbling infrastructure. In the middle of town is a wonderful source of inspiration and hope. It is a hospital, and under the able leadership of its chief executive officer, Richard Benfer, Braddock Medical Center everyday reaches out to those who need proper healthcare. It is one of the most promising and encouraging places on earth. I was delighted to spend a week with them performing a series of private concerts, in and around Pittsburgh, and communicating their mission and vision to the "haves" of the world. I often think of Braddock Medical Center and Richard Benfer, and everytime I do, I am reminded of what good things they are doing in the lives of those less fortunate. Email me and I will be glad to send you more information on my favorite little hospital in the world, Braddock Medical Center. Perhaps you would be inspired to ask me how you too can help them. I would be inspired if you would. |