Music has the power to heal and it’s always nice to see music used for good, such as raising money for a deserving nonprofit. Our hats are off to Hyedi Nelson, the founder of Concert for Charlie, who uses her talents to bring music to Faith’s Lodge as a memorial to her son and a gift to the nonprofit that helped her. Be sure to put June 2 on your calendar for an amazing show at the Hook and Ladder.
Please tell us about the Concert for Charlie.
Concert for Charlie is a benefit for the nonprofit organization, Faith’s Lodge. It’s going to be an evening of music, featuring a lineup made up of some of the best local artists (to be announced soon!) taking place Sunday, June 2 at the Hook and Ladder Theater. All proceeds will go directly to providing support to grieving families who have experienced the death of a child.
I held the first-ever Concert for Charlie back in January 2020 and thanks to so many generous people, we raised more than $10,000 for Faith’s Lodge. We also established the Baby Charlie Sponsorship Fund to ensure families who cannot afford the reservation fee are able to stay at the lodge. Given Charlie’s milestone birthday (he would be turning 10 this year, if he were still alive), it felt very fitting to bring back the event this year.
Tell us more about Faith’s Lodge.
Faith’s Lodge is a retreat center in Danbury, Wisconsin that opened its doors in 2007 and has served more than 12,000 people from 46 states and four countries. Founders Mark and Susan Lacek, experienced a devastating loss when their unborn daughter suffered an umbilical cord accident two weeks before she was due. Mark and Susan felt strongly that their daughter Faith’s brief time on this earth should have a legacy. That legacy is the creation of Faith’s Lodge, a place where hope grows. Faith’s name and memory live on in this special facility that can help parents and families through their own darkest hours.
My son Charlie died when I was 30 weeks pregnant. Before leaving the hospital, I was given information about Faith’s Lodge and ended up going there for a retreat weekend a few months later. That experience was one of The most helpful things in my grieving process. I have been involved with the organization – including serving on its board of directors – ever since.
This is the second Concert for Charlie, what are some of your favorite moments from the first event in 2020?
That night was such a memorable, wonderful blur. There were the performers’ amazing sets and just the fact that there were so many people gathered together for the cause was incredibly special. One specific really cool moment was when during the VIP reception, Chris Koza brought his Rogue Valley bandmate Peter Sieve, who was just there as an attendee, to harmonize with him on ‘The Wolves and the Ravens.’
We are sorry for the loss of Baby Charlie. How did/do you find the strength, wisdom or grace to memorialize your son in such a joyful and generous way?
Thank you so much. Honestly, I think it was just knowing that it was possible for me to be able to take my professional skills and experience and put them to use in a way that could actually make a real impact on the healing for families whose child has died. Also, for child loss parents, oftentimes one of the biggest fears is that your child will be forgotten. It’s just so, so special to have this event where I (and others) get to say Charlie’s name and then have his legacy be this scholarship fund to help others.
For folks who like the idea but can’t attend the event, are there ways to donate, volunteer or otherwise get involved with the concert or Faith’s Lodge?
There are so many ways to get involved and/or show support. We’re still seeking donations of items for our silent auction and also for folks to sponsor the event to ensure we’re able to have the biggest impact. Straightforward monetary donations are also so greatly appreciated. Not only does Faith’s Lodge provide grieving families a safe place to heal and find hope, but the organization does so at an affordable rate for all and at no cost to those who request a scholarship.
Donations can be made or my contact information can be found at the ticketing website: https://one.bidpal.net/concertforcharlie2024/welcome. There are also volunteer opportunities with the organization – you can find out more information about those by going to faithslodge.org.
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