Mark Cortesi is the co-founder of the Music is the Medicine Foundation. This is an organization that recognizes the healing power of music for people of all ages. In 2011, Music is the Medicine recognized Jon’s efforts as a musician who brought acceptance for all with “disabilities” by presenting him with a new Yamaha acoustic guitar. He was nominated by Jeff Bricker. Mark and Music is the Medicine co-founder Anthony Gomes presented Jon with this new guitar at the Castle Theatre that February night before Anthony’s concert there.
Jon had received other awards, but with his love for music, this award was the best. It brought legitimacy to what he was doing. He was being recognized by others for the work that he was doing in the community, and that meant the world to him.
In addition, Mark made the decision in April 2013 that Music is the Medicine will donate a new guitar in Jon’s memory every year. The H.E.A.L. Foundation will hold a raffle for this year’s guitar, which is autographed by Billboard Magazine’s #1 Blues artist Anthony Gomes, as a fund raiser later this year. Words cannot express our gratitude for your generosity.
For your gift of thoughtful recognition for Jon’s work in the community, and your pledge to continue to support the foundation that he founded, Heroes Embracing Autistic Lives is pleased to present you with this Hero Award.
