Music 'feeds the soul' in Lakewood Ranch

When Greenbrook's Melinda Cerny heard a story about a child falling asleep in a Bradenton school due to being hungry, she took action. 

Cerny, a flute player, said her "spiritual gift is music" and she wanted to use her gift to make a difference. 

The Manatee Community Concert Band performed their "A Summer to Remember" concert Aug. 25 at Cerny's church, Harvest United Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch. 

Rather than charging a fee to attend the performance, attendees were asked to bring food donations for the Meals on Wheels Plus' Food Bank of Manatee. 

Lynn Cleary, the band's conductor, said the event was two-fold as the concert was entertaining for the audience but also gave back. 

"We don't need the money," Cleary said. "We'd rather help the community."

Shenna Nunn, a driver for Meals on Wheels Plus, said the organization is appreciative of the blessing through donations. 

Nunn said any form of support — even if it's not money or food — makes a huge difference in the lives that are served by the organization. They always need volunteers. 

"This is the best organization," Nunn said. "I see firsthand because I've delivered meals to people's homes and seen the need."

Cerny said musicians have great hearts and the food bin was filled by band members alone before the audience even showed up.

"Music feeds my soul and I love the camraderie," Cerny said. 

Country Club East's Erv Heyde, also a member of the church, has been a clarinet player in the band for 10 years. 

"I was a little scared about it at first, because I thought I was going to know so many people there and they're going to be looking at me," Heyde said. "It turned out great. It was very pleasant and I'm glad we did it."