A Family Helps Us Heal Through Music

There is an unmistakable and unanticipated sound drifting from the Plaza Level lobby of Cedars-Sinai’s South Tower. It’s a piano serenading employees and visitors who pause to enjoy a song on the way to a meeting, an appointment or lunch in the cafeteria. Beethoven’s “Für Elise” on one day. Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” on another. They smile at the volunteer musician seated at the baby grand—a doctor, a respiratory therapist or a patron who plays to entertain and unwind during a break in their day.

This musical interlude has been brought to you by the Powell family.

Rick Powell’s late parents, Joyce and Lawrence “Larry” Powell, donated the piano when Barbara Leanse, former director of Volunteer Services, made the request. Known for their charitable work, the Powells graciously provided the instrument to the hospital. For 16 years, it has played an important role in the hospital’s Music for Healing program, which offers a soothing respite to patients and visitors who may be facing a health challenge.

Today, Rick is honoring one of his parents’ final wishes: to oversee their bequest of $150,000 to Cedars-Sinai. Larry, a past Board of Governors (BOG) chair, served on the BOG for 50 years.

“My dad was instrumental in bringing many campaigns to the Board of Governors under the guidance of Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Shlomo Melmed,” said Rick, a retired furniture importer. “My parents loved Cedars-Sinai and were proud to accomplish so much through their involvement with the hospital.”

Rick says his parents set an outstanding example for him and his siblings by giving back—an example he shares with his children and grandchildren.

“Our kids know what their grandparents did for Cedars-Sinai, and they’re passing that knowledge on to their kids to continue the legacy,” added Rick.

He has helped steward the proceeds to fund the BOG Innovation Center, a facility that brings together researchers and clinicians from across Cedars-Sinai to develop therapies that improve patient health outcomes, as well as the BOG 50th Anniversary Celebration.

“I think if my parents were here today, they’d say, ‘great move.’”

Like the Powells, you can make a lasting impact on innovative, lifesaving care—at no cost to you today. Contact Office of Gift Planning at 323-866-2861 or plannedgivingADV@cshs.org to discuss how you can make life better for current and future Cedars-Sinai patients.