Making Music for Charity in Rockland

   Over 360 voice, violin, and piano students from Rockland County schools participated in the eighth annual Music Marathon fundraiser, on December 13 and 14 at the Palisades Center in Nyack. The Marathon was started by piano teacher Marilyn Hazan in 2001, and is sponsored by the Rockland County Music Teachers Guild; students of Guild members raise money for charity through their performances. Each participant collected donations and received a certificate of performance as well as a T-shirt, with special prizes awarded to the top fundraisers. This year, students raised $17,000, bringing the total monies raised over the past eight years through donations and sponsorships to $117,000. The funds are donated to the United Hospice of Rockland Music Therapy Program, which assists patients with advanced illnesses by providing care and allowing them to live in comfort, with dignity, surrounded by their families. For more information about the United Hospice of Rockland, call 845 634-4974 or visit www.hospiceofrockland.org. For more information on the Music Marathon, visit www.RCMTG.org.