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Young pianists support community through their musical fundraisers

88Keys to Cure co-directors, a group of high school students from Sueanne Metz's piano studio in Long Grove, presented a check of $7,500 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention July 24.

88Keys to Cure is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting local communities through music. Over the past four years, the charity has raised more than $50,000 for various organizations.

This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on mental health, the co-directors partnered with AFSP's Illinois chapter to combat the stigma against mental illness, especially among teenagers.

While the co-directors were unable to hold in-person benefit concerts this year due to the pandemic, they supported AFSP through virtual fundraisers. During the holiday season, 88Keys to Cure hosted a Giving Tuesday online concert - premiered on their YouTube channel - and initiated a "Custom Christmas Concerts" fundraiser, performing holiday song requests in return for donations.

Throughout the pandemic, the co-directors also raised money by posting on their YouTube channel. From the biographical "Great Composers Series" to lighthearted Christmas carols, classical performances to elaborate covers of pop songs involving dozens of performers, they successfully promoted music and supported the community in the absence of face-to-face opportunities.

In the event that social gatherings become possible, 88Keys to Cure will return to hosting live benefit concerts and fundraisers. Whether in-person or virtual, the co-directors will continue supporting the local community with their passion for music.

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

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