A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR JOEL STITES

**UPDATE**

Joel Gibbs Stites Celebration Of Life and Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation Donation.

In coordination with Joel’s family, we have found an amazing foundation to donate to. The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by providing new musical instruments to underfunded music programs nationwide, giving under-represented youth access to the many benefits of music education, leading them to success in school, and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music. Abbott Middle School in Elgin Illinois where Joel attended before moving to Pleasanton is currently the front-runner and an obvious first choice for the Family. This week the first donation of $5,000 will be sent to the foundation on Joels’ behalf. By working with Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, that $5,000 donation equates to roughly $10,000 worth of new musical instruments, the recommended donation for a middle school. Once again, I want to thank everyone who has contributed their time and their money in loving support of Joel.

**UPDATE**

My name is Andy Slipka, a group of loving friends and I are kicking off a GoFundMe to help raise money to celebrate the life of one of our dearest friends, Joel Stites. Joel was a best friend to me and so many of you who could talk or text for hours cheering us up with his stories, his impressions and that infectious laugh. We have already had so many donations from people who have been inspired by Joel over the years that the dual purpose of This GoFundMe has come into a new perspective, Raising funds for the event and now a scholarship fund in Joel's name.

Funds will be used for the Celebration of Life event in Pleasanton on April 8, 2023, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm at The Veterans Memorial Hall. Joel’s memory deserves this and more. After speaking with the family, agree that all remaining funds should serve a greater purpose. We are currently looking at several options in creating a music scholarship fund in Joel’s name - thank you to Jeff Bordes for leading this effort! As soon as I have more concrete information I will update everyone. Thank you again to everyone for your heartfelt support and love in honoring Joel. Joel’s spirit is shining in all of us.