‘Autumn Prelude’ chamber music concert to benefit Mayday Foundation 

Rachel Benton

"Autumn Prelude." There’s something about that name that feels like a warm cup of tea for the spirit. It evokes calm, the beauty of the fall season, and a quiet sense of peace.

Unfortunately, those ideals are not always easy to embrace for cancer patients, caregivers and their families, who can feel the weight of the world resting on their shoulders and, at times, find themselves unable to see beyond the storm clouds. 

When "Autumn Prelude" organizer, local violinist, and violin teacher Julie Sandvig reached out to me about this chamber music benefit concert, my answer was an immediate yes.

As a cancer patient and survivor, myself, I know firsthand just how meaningful, and sometimes miraculous, the work of organizations like the Mayday Foundation can be in people’s lives. 

The Mayday Foundation provides immediate financial assistance to families coping with cancer, particularly families with children at home. Rather than focusing solely on medical bills, the foundation helps with the practical necessities and unexpected challenges of everyday life. You know, the “little things,” like groceries, water, keeping the power on, and making sure there is still a roof over the family’s head. 

Some of the foundation's work even creates opportunities for children in cancer-affected families to experience the arts, whether through violin lessons, ballet, or other creative pursuits.

Can you imagine a better distraction — or perhaps a better, joyful rock to hold on to during such tumultuous times? What an amazing gift for a child facing more uncertainty than any child should ever have to face. 

The more I heard about this benefit concert, the more pride and gratitude filled my heart for our incredible music community. The concert will feature musicians from Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Olympia Chamber Orchestra, and South Puget Sound Community College Orchestra, along with a special performance by Vox Olympia. It is a beautiful reminder of just how much talent, compassion, and community spirit we have right here in Olympia. 

A ticket to a concert like this is truly worth so much — but admission is by donation. The suggested donation is $30 But I hope that when you contribute, you’ll remember the incredible gifts and value of each musician taking the stage, who are doing this for free.

Most of all, I hope you remember the profound worthiness of the cause they are coming together to support. Every donation is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. 

Mark your calendars and plan right now to attend:  

Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at United Churches of Olympia,  110 11th Ave SE in Olympia 

If you can’t attend the benefit concert, I encourage you to donate here.  

Julie Sandvig’s story 

When she told me about this event, Sandvig shared several personal connections with this cause. Being a total sap, this was my favorite story: 

“My husband, before I met him, had a wife who passed away from cancer at age 39. I met him because I was conducting a youth orchestra that his daughter was in. Her private violin teacher was going to retire, and she referred her to me.” 

Sandvig continued, “I knew that her mother had passed away, and I saw her dad doing it all. It was impressive to see how much he had going on, and how he wanted to keep the kids’ lives running as normally as possible.

“From there, we got to know each other better, and we are married now. But just to hear about the decisions that had to be made so carefully to pay for treatment, find ways to miss work to support the family, and everything else. … He kept thinking about his kids. He didn’t want their world to fall apart while this was happening." 

When another student had a mom going through a similar situation, Sandvig began brainstorming ways she could help. Her answer? Being her full self, and encouraging her friends, who also have big hearts, to come alongside her. 

 Making music is one of the most human and beautiful ways to stay resilient in hard times. In its own way, it can be the greatest middle finger, if you will, to a family of diseases that has impacted and destroyed countless lives. 

Music can also be a powerful way to show love and support — to bring smiles to faces and to center our hearts on what really matters in this world: love, hope, and music. 

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.