RJ's brats could bring music therapy back

If hunger strikes this Friday or Saturday, a group of Hudson families are hoping people will come by the brat stand at R.J.’s Meats, get something to eat and help out some autistic students all at the same time.

The families who all have autistic students in the K-5 program at Willow River Elementary School are holding the fund-raiser from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. both days to raise funds for a music therapy program this year at the school.

Two years ago, teacher Tara Tuchel secured a grant to fund music therapy at the school and parents like Denise Hafner saw the impact it had on their children.

“The music and the instruments really made an impact on him,” said Hafner of her son, Alex. “And music, for some reason, is a great tool to teach the kids. Music motivates them. They pick things up when you sing or set it to music that they wouldn’t get otherwise. I don’t know why it works; it just does.”

The families are hoping to raise the $3,000 it will cost to bring a music therapist once a week to Hudson from the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. The center provided the therapy in Hudson two years ago.

Hafner said they appreciate whatever support they get.

“We’re a small group and we can’t hold the fund-raisers bigger groups can but whatever we can do to help make this happen is worth it. We really hope people stop by.”

Hafner said a music therapist from MacPhail will be at the stand at least one of the days to demonstrate and answer questions.

Anyone who is unable to make it to the brat stand can still make a donation by contacting Hafner at (715) 381-5629.

Tags: community, hudson, rjsmeats, autism, music_therapy