A Special Evening with Vogel Alcove featuring World Piano Man Martyn Lucas in concert rocked! A crowd of supporters and friends got together virtually and sang and danced in support of the nonprofit’s mission of providing therapeutic early childhood services, school-age programs and family support services for homeless children ages six weeks to 12 years old, and their families.
“Martyn is an exceptionally talented performer and his concert was absolutely fabulous,” said Karen Hughes, president and CEO, Vogel Alcove. “His contagious energy and unique styles of singing had everyone smiling, sharing conversations and singing along. We are so thankful for his generosity and the support from the crowd which will help us continue to provide the services our families depend on, especially during these hard times.”
Sponsored by Santander Consumer USA, donations brought in song requests as the evening began with a request for “You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” and rocked on with Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.” Karen welcomed guests and shared a video spotlighting the children and families helped by Vogel Alcove and the many services offered by the organization. The fun continued with Martyn singing in the voices of Billy Joel in “Movin’ Out,” and more songs in the voices of Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, John Lennon, a sing-along of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and more.
A special highlight was the auction of a guitar signed by Jon Bon Jovi with Regina Bruce as the high bidder. In tribute, Martyn sang Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses.” The concert ended with everyone joining in singing Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” waving hands and sharing smiles.
Post-event at the photo shoot, Regina surprised Vogel Alcove by donating the Jon Bon Jovi guitar back to Vogel Alcove, whereupon a silent bidder scooped it up, donating even more to the cause.
All proceeds from this event benefit Vogel Alcove, an early childhood education and Parent Opportunity Center that is working to Break the Cycle of Poverty for homeless children and their families in Dallas. Vogel Alcove provides educational, developmental and therapeutic services to children and families affected by homelessness. Using its “Two-Generational” approach to solving homelessness, services are provided to client families through the early childhood education program and Parent Opportunity Department. All of these services are free, in a safe and nurturing school environment, in which the families can learn and grow together John C. Wander is chairman of the Board of Directors, Vogel Alcove.
For more information on how you can volunteer and other ways in which you can support Vogel Alcove, visit the website at www.vogelalcove.org
Donations benefit Vogel Alcove:
Vogel Alcove is the only free comprehensive early childhood education program in the city of Dallas whose primary focus is to provide free childcare and case management for homeless children and their families. Approximately 3,000 children in Dallas go to sleep each night without a home of their own. We’re on a mission to help young children overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. It is our vision that every child in our community has a home, a self-sufficient family and a foundation for success in school and life — and the clock is ticking.
90% of brain development happens by the age of five. Without intervention at this critical time, homeless children may suffer lifelong social, emotional and educational deficits. That’s where we come in. And YOU can help.
With the 6th largest GDP of any American city, major cultural and sports programs, renowned medical centers and universities and more than 20 Fortune 500 company headquarters, Dallas is a thriving city with much to offer. However, Dallas also has the one of the HIGHEST child poverty rates in the country among cities with more than 1 million people. 30% of Dallas children grow up in poverty, or two of every five children. That means 3,000 kids in our city are currently experiencing homelessness.
Homeless children are the most invisible and neglected members of our community. But Vogel Alcove is devoted to helping these children cope with the physical, emotional and mental trauma they are experiencing so that they might succeed in life despite their circumstances.
About Vogel Alcove:
Vogel Alcove is a 501c3 nonprofit agency which provides therapeutic early childhood services, school-age programs and family support services for homeless children ages six weeks to 12 years old, and their families.
Fueled by extensive research from the Casey Foundation, Vogel Alcove features “two-generation” approach to support homeless children and their parents. Through this strategic initiative, Vogel Alcove has committed to ensuring that our work truly helps homeless families break the cycle of poverty. These services are offered through the Parent Opportunity Department and include one-on-one counseling from a team of licensed clinical social workers, as well as Job Ready, Career Ready, and Support System programming in the Parent Opportunity Center lab.
Since 1987, the agency has served more than 16,000 Dallas-area homeless children. We’re on a mission to help young children, and their families, overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness. It is our vision that every child in our community has a home, a self-sufficient family and a foundation for success in school and life.
*Photo by Danny Campbell