LIVONIA, MICH. – Madonna University's Steinway Grand Piano in Kresge Hall will soon be refurbished, thanks to an $18,650 grant from the Hardies Family Trust.
Barbara Wiltsie, music program director, was thrilled when she received the news, and she breathed a huge sigh of relief, because she doesn't have to continue to search for donors for the refurbishing.
The Hardies Family Trust was established after the death of Robert A Hardies, the founder of Financial and Portfolio Advisors in Livonia. He designated in his trust that if there were residual funds, they were to be disbursed to Livonia community organizations and their endeavors. This year the trust disbursed $322,710 in grants, and in the past two years over $650,000 has been given to support community projects.
In her capacity as a board member for the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, Wiltsie heard about this opportunity in October. She sent in the application, in November, with the refurbishing cost documentation from Steinway Galleries.
Earlier this month, Wiltsie learned she had received all of the funds to cover the costs of refurbishing the Steinway. She went to Financial and Portfolio Advisors and had her photo taken with the giant check, and received the actual check.
