Pictured here (L to R) is SHS Music Department Chair Scott Mertens, Frank and Suzanne Riccardi, and Sycamore Music Boosters President Ken Olson accepting a generous donation to the Sycamore Music Boosters from the Riccardi family.
The Sycamore Music Boosters recently received a generous donation from Frank and Suzanne Riccardi of Riccardi’s Red Hots and Soda Fountain. Frank and Suzanne Riccardi opened the diner in 2008 and it quickly became a hot spot and safe hang out for Sycamore High School music kids. SHS Band members frequented the local establishment after every home football game, basketball game, and other events.
The Riccardi family is part of the Sycamore High School alumni as their son, Frankie Jr., was a Sycamore High School student with a passion for football and music. He played on the SHS Football team and also became an accomplished guitarist and artist during high school, graduating in 2000. In 2005, Frankie unexpectedly passed away, so when Riccardi’s opened their restaurant, Frank and Suzi set up a music fund in honor of their son. Over the years customers donated to the fund and the Riccardis were able to grow the fund. When the diner recently closed this spring, Frank and Suzi decided to donate $2000 to the Sycamore Music Boosters and SHS Band in honor of Frankie Jr. and his love of music. This generous donation was presented at the end of the year SHS Spring Band Concert.
“This is a wonderful story and a real testament to the quality of kids who are in the SHS band. We are so thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Riccardi for their generous donation!” comments SHS Band Director Ken Goodman. Sycamore Music Boosters President, Ken Olson adds, “We thank Riccardi’s Red Hots for providing a safe place for our students to hang-out over the years. This donation from Frank and Suzanne Riccardi is graciously accepted and will be used to benefit the SHS Band students in honor of their son, Frankie Jr.”
The Sycamore Music Department and the Sycamore Music Boosters, a non-profit volunteer organization that supports all students in grades K-12, encourages others to consider making a donation and support the music program. Future opportunities for additional donors are always welcome! Contributions in any amount may be given by individuals, families, local businesses, and even corporations. For more information, please contact Scott Mertens, Sycamore Music Department Chair, at SMertens@syc427.org, or Ken Olson, Sycamore Music Boosters President, at Olsonpt@comcast.net. Additional information about the Sycamore Music Boosters may be found at www.sycamoremusicboosters.com.
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