Reading and writing were frequent outlets to fun for Carl. He read many books, and often reread the stories he liked the most. Carl wrote numerous short stories and started several books. With his friends, they created and began to write an extensive adventure saga that for now remains unfinished. Carl, also left behind, notes and sketches of video games he hoped to produce someday.

In 2nd Grade Carl started taking piano lessons, and never stopped with the weekly instruction throughout every school year thereafter. He learned to play many pieces, both classical and contemporary, and performed an annual recital. Carl also participated in the Eisenhower Junior High Band program for five years, playing the coronet. Although Carl became good enough to play for two years in the prestigious Eisenhower Jazz Band, he would tell you the main reason for joining the Band program, was to go on the annual out-of-state trip for a band contest. It was the social event of the year for the band members, and Carl enjoyed every trip with his friends.

October-November, 2009- WRITE ON FESTIVAL

The Foundation sponsored the 4th annual "Write-On Literary Festival" at Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien. The Festival inspired, empowered and entertained.

Winners of the Poetry Competition :

• 1st place: Ivan K.
• 2nd place:Sarah U.
• 3rd place: Jorie G.

Winners of the Short Story Competition:

• 1st place: Justin N.
• 2nd place: Samantha D.
• 3rd place: Kat H.

This event included a talk by author John Green and a poetry writing workshop by Robbie Q. Telfer.

October 17, 2009 - INSTRUMENT DRIVE

Our annual musical instrument recycling drive was held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 3 locations around Chicagoland:  Darien Park District Community Center, Mather High School, and the Palmer House Hilton.  We collected 15 instruments which are being refurbished for re-use by needy students and schools. 

March 2009 - Donated 9 musical instruments to Amundsen High School in Chicago for use in their musical education classes.

December 2008 - Donated 11 musical instruments to Mather High School in Chicago. Three instruments were donated to Lace School Beginning Band program in Darien, IL. We also received and donated a piano to an Eisenhower Junior High band student.

October-November, 2008- WRITE ON FESTIVAL

The Foundation sponsored the 3nd annual "Write-On Literary Festival" at Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien. The Festival inspired, empowered and entertained.

Winners of the Poetry Competition :

• 1st place: Linda S.
• 2nd place:Jonathan A.
• 3rd place: Rachel C.

Winners of the Short Story Competition:

• 1st place: Rachel J.
• 2nd place: Jorie G.
• 3rd place: Kelsey B.

Winners of the Song Lyrics Competition:

• 1st place: Ariel K.
• 2nd place: Maggie B.
• 3rd place: Jonathan A.

This event included a talk by author Chris Crutcher, an open mic night and a song writing workshop by Dave the Guitar Guy.

July 2008 - Donated an alto saxophone to Traughber Jr. High School and a clarinet to Plank Jr. High School, both of Oswego, IL.

May 2008 - LITERACY AND MUSIC FINACIAL GRANTS

• This Is Me girls book club; Chicago, IL - $2,250
• St. Gregory Episcopal School's Reading Enhancement Project; Chicago, IL - $2,250
• Wood Dale Junior High School's Guitar Instruction Project; Wood Dale, IL - $2,500
• Keeneyville Elementary School's Keeping the Beat Project; Hanover Park, IL - $1,000
• Cass Junior High School's Band Enrichment Program; Darien, IL - $2,500

November 4-13, 2007- WRITE ON FESTIVAL

The Foundation sponsored the 2nd annual "Write-On Literary Festival" at Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien. The Festival inspired, empowered and entertained.

Winners of the Poetry Competition :

• 1st place: Linda S. - "Feel This Poetry"
• 2nd place: Emelyn B. - "Freelance Hands"
• 3rd place: Lindsey C. - "Two-Sided Facade"

Winners of the Short Story Cometition:

• 1st place: Jorie G. - "Porcelain Doll"
• 2nd place: Edward R. - "Convenient Truth"
• 3rd place: Kelsey B. - "Spring Wolf"

There was an Open Mic Nite, a meeting with author Vivian Vande Velde and a writing workshop with magna-artist and comic-author Shannon Townsend.

August 2007 - Donated a clarinet to St. James Grade School in Arlington Heights. Approximate cost to the foundation: $300.

February 18, 2007 - INSTRUMENT DRIVE

Held a used and new instrument drive at the Eisenhower Junior High Band Spaghetti Dinner. 21 instruments were collected in total:  2 Cornets, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombone, 1 French Horn, 1 Alto Saxophone, 4 Flutes, 6 Clarinets, 1 Keyboard and 1 Triangle!

PM Music in Aurora cleaned and refurbished the instruments. 10 went to District 61 band programs: 3 to Concert/Symphonic Band and 7 to Beginning Band. 10 instruments will be donated to Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. One instrument was unusable and was donated for parts.

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November 9, 10, & 11, 2006 - WRITE-ON LITERARY FESTIVAL

In conjunction with the Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien, Illinois.

Approximate cost to the foundation: $4,000.

Winners of the Poetry Competition:

• Laura R. (9th Grade, Mount Assisi Academy)
• Sean M. (Senior, Hinsdale South)

Winners of the Short Story Competition:

• 1st. Place: Jorie G. (9th Grade, Hinsdale South)
• 2nd Place: Jon A. (10th Grade, Marquette Manor Baptist Academy)
• 3rd Place: Alexis E. (7th Grade, Gower Middle)

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November 2006 - Purchased a cornet from PM Music and donated it to the Eisenhower Junior High Band. Apporximately $500.

October 2006 through May 2007 - Paying for private music lessons for two Eisenhower Junior High Band members. Approximately $1000.

September 2006 through May 2007 - Paying for private piano lessons for three deserving children. Approximately $1000.

February through mid-July 2006 – Paying for private music lessons for three Eisenhower Junior High Band members. Approximately $1000.

January through May 2006 – Paying for private piano lessons for three deserving children. Approximately $700.

January 2006 – Donated $500 for books to the Indian Prairie Library, in Darien, Illinois.