Tatiana with her sister Anna.
at Ingomar Middle School where students donate toys, food or money( depending on the cause of the year) to those in need. This year, Tatiana started a series of concerts at UPMC Passavant Hospital – McCandless as part of the Legacy Music Series. Performers offer enjoyment and entertainment for an hour for patients and visitors.
HOPE with Us was originally created to combat bullying at school.“ While neither my sister nor I experienced bullying personally, we witnessed students who suffer from it,” explains Tatiana.“ At HOPE with Us, students have a chance to express themselves by performing, raising money and goods for charitable organizations. By helping others, they help themselves.”
Tatiana has taken part in every project since 2010, inviting her peers to join by participating in various recitals that donated to the Red Cross, several food / toy drives, and nursing homes that benefit the needy.
“ HOPE with Us is invaluable to the community because it connects local students with local charities and businesses,” she says.“ Students benefit because they’ re able to build their selfesteem by performing. They know their contribution is helping their neighbors. Local charities benefit as well.”
Once Anna started her first year at MIT, Tatiana knew she had to step up and became a Group Leader when she was just in 6th grade. As a Group Leader of HOPE with Us, she leads all events that benefit various charities.
The nonprofit’ s most recent fundraiser was on Dec. 1, 2017, and took place at Ingomar Middle School. Students from North Allegheny School District contributed 347 pounds of food benefiting Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank through this event.
“ HOPE with Us is very important part of my life,” says Tatiana.“ It’ s taught me the importance of self-discipline, the value of commitment and dedication, as well as time management.
“ I have experienced firsthand the reaction of people and benefits of performances. When nursing home residents start singing to the piece you are playing, it’ s an unforgettable moment. I started to realize that the music I play is no longer just for me, but for the people. Service taught me humility and appreciation for the arts.” n
Legacy Music Series at UPMC Passavant Hospital – McCandless, April 15, 2018.
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