Notes for Autism
Written by Phil Cerroni
Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children celebrates 10th anniversary with benefit concert
Ten years after its creation, sparked by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a charity concert, Notes for Autism, at 3 p.m. Dec. 1, in the Van Cliburn Recital Hall of the Bass Performance Center, 330 East 4th Street, Fort Worth.
The foundation was created in 2003 by Coppell resident Tracy Pierce Bender in memory of her late husband, Brent Woodall, who was lost in the Sept. 11th attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York.
“To see how far the foundation has come in ten years in the midst of great tragedy and an economic recession that has swept across our country is amazing,” said Erin Alcorn, an administrative assistant and music therapist at the foundation. “It shows how resilient and determined Tracy and the Foundation are.”
Alcorn, who graduated from Coppell High School in 2008,will sing at the concert.
“I wanted to combine my love for music with my love for the children at the foundation, and the 10th anniversary seemed to be the perfect occasion to do so,” Alcorn said.
Alcorn has worked seasonally since 2008 as an assistant therapist for the foundation while completing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio.
“Tracy was so flexible with me during school, and I am happy to give back to her and the Foundation by sharing my music,” she said.
“It is really encouraging that despite the violent circumstances the Foundation began with, we are celebrating its longevity with a peaceful and beautiful musical event. This really attests to the strength of our country’s people, like Tracy.”
The foundation’s Pre-school Readiness Education Program (PREP) will also give a special performance at the concert.
“Our kids have been working on their performance the entire semester,” said Alcorn, who teaches the music elective. “They’re going to rock the house.”
All ages are welcome to attend the concert. The hall will be set up so that parents have flexibility to bring their children and enjoy the event without fear of disturbing other guests. Seats may be reserved online at www.woodallkids.org or by phone at 972-756-9170. All monies raised from Notes for Autism will support services and programs offered by the Brent Woodall Foundation.
PREP prepares students to integrate into a typical pre-school or kindergarten setting. It is open to all children ages 3-5, including those with autism, developmental delays or language delays.
Source: Brent Woodall Foundation
