Nicholas Van Deelen, MD SVP – President, Minnesota Region | Aspirus Langlade Hospital
Nicholas Van Deelen, MD SVP – President, Minnesota Region | Aspirus Langlade Hospital
The Keweenaw Health Foundation has announced a donation of $3,500 to the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Outdoor Education Fund. This contribution will aid the fund's mission to provide youth in the Keweenaw and Kalamazoo areas with free instruments, music lessons, after-school programs, and outdoor education opportunities.
The Dan Schmitt Gift of Music was established in memory of Dan Schmitt, an aspiring musician who died in a traffic accident in December 2007. The fund was founded by retired schoolteachers John and Charmaine Parsons and their children, John, Ben, and Graham. It aims to honor Schmitt's legacy by inspiring future generations through music.
"Dan’s life was a beautiful example of how music can bring people together and enrich their lives. We are deeply grateful to the Keweenaw Health Foundation for their support," said Charmaine Parsons, co-founder of the fund.
In addition to its musical focus, the fund emphasizes outdoor education with activities like gardening, apple cider making, maple syrup production, wildlife observation hosted at the Parsons' farm. These programs teach valuable skills such as food growing and preservation along with pond ecology and plant identification.
The Dan Schmitt Gift of Music also offers low-cost or free music lessons across Keweenaw including guitar and piano instruction after school. Currently, around 38 students benefit from these initiatives in Copper Country.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Outdoor Education Fund," said Jenn Jenich-Laplander from the Keweenaw Health Foundation. "I was lucky enough to grow up with Dan...and it’s truly wonderful to see his legacy come to fruition."
The foundation remains committed to investing in local programs that enhance community well-being reflecting their dedication towards a healthier future for residents.
For more details on contributing or learning about this cause visit https://www.dsgiftofmusic.org or contact 906.337.6541 for supporting Keweenaw Health Foundation's mission.
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