MUSICIANS AT DONNA HANSON HAVEN WELCOME A PIANO!!

It was a day like any other. Luke Runkel, case manager at Donna Hanson Haven, made a pot of coffee and left it in the common area for residents, before heading into his nearby office.

Mark, a resident on his way to work, stopped by for a cup. Luke overheard Mark’s wistful, reflective comment: “Every day that I don’t play a piano, I feel like I lose part of my soul.”

“It was such a heartfelt statement, it made me take notice,” Luke shares. “I wanted to help.”

He made inquiries to his supervisors. Would a piano in the common area be permitted? Could maintenance staff help transport an instrument if one was found? Luke searched ‘for sale’ ads and he alerted Scott Cooper, Vice-President of Mission, to keep his ears open.

Luke took the time to talk with Mark to find out more about his musical interests and experience. Turns out Mark was raised in Easton, MA – “where people valued musical performance as much as sports. The jazz choir and the football team were equally honored,” he explains, “and gold medals mattered!”  Building on eight years of private lessons, he honed his skills in middle and high school playing with friends headed to Julliard, Berkley, and Tanglewood. Mark would major in accounting at university, and notes “music has always been a part of my life.”

Mark plays everything…pop songs, hard rock, classical, country and gospel melodies – all float from his fingers with apparent ease.

He recalls being called away from practice for graduation exercises at the U.S. Army Military Police Academy in Alabama to accompany three talented gospel singers for their Sunday concert. “It took some time to understand what they wanted,” Mark explains. “It was so much fun – and a wonderful success!”

Homeless in Spokane, Mark found pianos in downtown facilities that permitted him access to play – in churches, House of Charity, Union Gospel Mission. No audiences, of course, but a soulful release of creativity from a devoted musician!

“Playing is important for my sanity,” Mark explains. “There’s something about making music happen that is very fulfilling.”

Scott Cooper alerted his colleagues to the piano search just about the time Ann Marie Byrd, Executive Director, Catholic Charities Foundation, had decided to find a new place for the pedal piano that had graced her home for years. She felt grateful and proud to see it at Donna Hanson Haven.

Jerrica Ford, Property Manager at DHH, who had worked on the search with Luke, was there when Mark first saw the instrument. “The look on his face when he saw it - was priceless!” she says.

Now a supervisor in a work crew with Dignified Workday, which cleans streets in the early morning, Mark is also exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to renew his musicianship. “It’s a true blessing to be able to play again!” he shares.

“The biggest surprise here has been the popularity of the instrument,” Luke says. “We got it for Mark, but at least a half-dozen residents also play on a regular basis. Some took piano lessons as kids, one fellow played at the World’s Fair in ’74. Everyone treats it with respect and appreciates having it available to learn and enjoy!”

“All I did was bring attention to the need,” Luke says modestly. “Ann Marie and Scott really made this happen – and Ann Marie’s the star! They are indicative of the exceptional people who work here at Catholic Charities. I’m so grateful to be part of this team!!”