10/15/2026
🇺🇸 We’re proud to feature Central Illinois Legacy in Song as this week’s Charity Giveaway recipient! 🇺🇸
Their mission is all about helping Veterans and their families find healing by transforming their stories into song to help navigate the challenges of military life.
Each year, they host a retreat using creative tools and music-based therapy to support Veterans who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan, as well as Gold Star families. Grammy-nominated and award-winning songwriters volunteer their time to pair up with Veterans and help put their experiences into words. 🎶
“Many PTSD struggles are invisible,” shared volunteer Cindy R. “Music helps veterans hear or discover in song what they can’t talk about. It helps them put words to something that’s been inside for so long.”
Providing this immersive time of processing, closure, and healing through music is a small gift of gratitude for our nation’s heroes. “Every person involved wants this to be all about the people we serve,” reflected Sue L, another volunteer.
The retreat culminates with a free public concert where family, friends, and the community gather to hear the newly written songs performed by the artists. 🎤 “We like to remind people that they are about to hear a song that didn’t exist as of that morning!” added Sue.
It’s an incredible night of honor and celebration for everyone in attendance. ✨ “We see the impact of this program when families come up to us after hearing their loved one’s song and say, 'We never knew that.' Or when Veterans come out of the songwriting session with tears in their eyes and say, 'This was lifesaving.'”
“At the concerts, we often joke we should have stock in Kleenex!” laughed Sue.
We are honored that this $1,000 Sherman's award will help cover expenses for the 2027 retreat, where heroes can finally turn their unspoken stories into songs of healing.
Please join us in thanking our Veterans for their service and the Central Illinois Legacy in Song team for the wonderful work they do! ❤️🤍💙
🎧 Ready to hear these amazing songs? Search for the “Heyworth, IL Sessions, Vol I” album on YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify!