88Keys to Cure to host live benefit concert July 28

88Keys to Cure is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization based in Long Grove, dedicated to enhancing the lives of the local community through music. Prior to COVID, the organization had successfully hosted multiple in-person charity concerts in various venues throughout the Chicago area since April 2017.

Even COVID was not able to deter the kindness and compassion in the hearts of 88Keys to Cure. They continued to fundraise through online concerts, supporting various causes from combating the stigma against mental illness to providing aid for victims of natural disasters. Over the last seven years, 88Keys to Cure has raised over $60,000 to support various local and global causes.

The co-directors, a group of high school students from Sueanne Metz’s piano studio, are extremely thrilled to bring back this tradition at 3 p.m. on July 28, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

This year, as the first live benefit concert post-COVID, 88Keys to Cure will be raising funds to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, its first and longtime beneficiary since 2017.

This donation is intended to support the NICU's newly developed Early Childhood Mobile Health Clinic, a part of NICU neurodevelopmental follow-up program. Infants who are born early and/or face serious health issues from birth require compassionate and highly specialized care to ensure that they can survive, thrive, and that their families are supported along the way.

Those who have required hospitalization are at risk of delays in their motor and language skills as well as cognition. After discharge, they are in need of professional help on identifying developmental delays and assigning therapies accordingly. The mobile clinic enables the access to the timely professional care for the families that cannot travel to downtown Chicago due to the distance or medical complexity. The fund will not only improve the lives of individual children, but also increase health equity throughout communities in the Chicago metro area.

The concert program is extremely well-thought out and fun. The performers are accomplished musicians and young musical talents. With a wide selection of classical piano, violin and vocal performances, it will surely bring you a delightful and heartfelt afternoon in one of the best concert venues on the North Shore of Chicago. Admission is free and the food is complimentary on behalf of the concert sponsors.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy Chicago’s very own 88Keys to Cure’s benefit concert.

For information, visit www.88keystocure.org or follow @88Keystocure on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.