Dear editor:
On June 12, the Hot Springs Music Festival (HSMF) not only continued in its second week of bringing world-class musicians to our community, but they offered exquisite compassion by donating a portion of that night's concert ticket sales to support the youths in crisis who come to Ouachita Children's Center (OCC) for help. The intricate harmonies, amazing talent and disciplined practice awed me. But most of all -- as I reflected on this concert that would help to support OCC, I was struck by the power of a hundred musicians coming together -- each one contributing to create something larger than themselves, which then became music.
It is a perfect metaphor for the work OCC does with youths who have experienced trauma and challenges that few can imagine. This amazing community that OCC is blessed to be a part of is made up of individuals and groups who each contribute to create something larger than themselves -- a place of support and kindness. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that each young person who receives our care can face a more hopeful future because this community -- and specifically The Hot Springs Music Festival on June 12 -- lavished exquisite compassion "on the least of these" -- our most vulnerable members. We are deeply grateful to the Music Festival's executive director, Lynn Payette, and the HSMF board of directors who graciously shared not only this festival's music, but their support. We are, indeed, blessed to be included in this year's festival.
With gratitude,
Mark Howard,
OCC executive director
Editorial on 06/18/2018