... continued from home page...
The outpouring of support from our wonderful community
convinced us we needed to reopen.
Today, ZEMS is open with Erick at our backs to
push us forward. Erick loved music and played the sax,
guitar, piano and drums. So we decided to keep his memory
alive through music. Each year, on the last day of the
season, the day before Labor Day, we hold the "Labor of Love for
Erick".
It's an all day music festival with basket raffles, food
and Cruz-Ins. All proceeds from the day including mini
golf and ice cream sales go directly to the Erick D. Stevens
Memorial Day Scholarship Fund. The ZEMS girls even donate
their time and tips to the fund.
Through the fund, we support the music program
at the Canastota Central Schools. The fund has purchased
a grand piano, a digital recording system and a music lab.
Each year around Erick's birthday in April,
the music department gives us a wish list. We buy something
on the list in honor of Erick. They also hold a concert
in his memory.
We also do 2 scholarships for students who
most mirror Erick and his goals. We have also begun to
support the AYSO soccer program because Erick loved to
play soccer.
Although Erick is no longer with us physically,
mentally and spiritually he is strong in our hearts. Our
family will continue to do good things, lasting things
in Erick's memory.
Our motto is "Smile for Erick". |
