Mundelein seventh-grader organizing benefit for animal shelter

Heather Pechtl values music and animals, so when her church asked her to organize a service project as part of her religious affirmation, it didn't take long to decide the focus.

The Mundelein seventh-grader organized a music recital to collect supplies for a local animal shelter, and called the event "Music for the Animals." It is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at her church, North Shore Unitarian Church, in Deerfield.

"It took a while, but I feel really prepared," said Pechtl, 13, who began organizing the event in September.

During the recital, Pechtl will perform piano pieces by Bach and Beethoven.

"My favorite composer is probably Beethoven, because he makes everything interesting with his dynamics," she said.

She also invited other student musicians from surrounding high schools to participate. She expects nearly 25 other performers.

Admission isn't much, just dog or cat food, pet toys or litter. All donations will be forwarded to Orphans of the Storm animal shelter in Deerfield.

"We got most of our cats from there and we always go there. It was kind of special to me," Pechtl said.

Pechtl said she has been collecting donations from her church and school since Jan. 17.

She said she outlined a plan and stuck to it, made calls to the shelter and musicians on her own, with a little help from her mom and a mentor at church.

"I think Heather has been a total leader in this project and she's doing something she's passionate about," said her mother, Valerie Walker-Pechtl.