Vista Del Mar Receives $2 Million for Music Therapy Program

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles has announced a $2 million legacy gift from the Herb Alpert Foundation to establish a therapeutic music program for children with special needs.

Awarded through the foundation co-founded by the legendary Grammy Award-winning musician and recording industry executive and his wife, singer Lani Hall, the gift will create the Eden Alpert Therapeutic Music Program at Vista Del Mar in honor of Alpert's daughter Eden. Once it's up and running, the program will provide children with learning disabilities with a safe environment in which to explore their artistic creativity and potential while developing a greater appreciation of music.

The 110-year-old social services agency provides therapeutic arts programming to children with learning disabilities both as an elective during school hours and as an afterschool option for residents. Through the programs, children are taught an instrument of their choice, perform in front of an audience, and build their self-esteem.

"The entire Alpert family has maintained a strong connection with Vista Del Mar for more than fifty years," said Rona Sebastian, president of the Alpert Foundation. "The Eden Alpert Therapeutic Music Program grows out of that long-term history and brings together the foundation's passion to support the arts for all young people and encourage an environment that nurtures compassion and well-being."