Stevie Wonder Inspires Crib Donation to Friendship Center
By Robin Vinci | Editor at March 10, 2024 | 6:00 pm | Print
When New Britain resident Jennifer Combs played back-up for Stevie Wonder last year in Hartford it moved her to make a special donation.
Combs, a cellist for The Hartford and New Haven Symphony Orchestras and a Julliard School of Music in New York City professor, used her pay from the concert to purchase a crib for the Friendship Service Center’s shelter in New Britain in Wonder’s honor.
“One of touring musicians spoke to us before we played spreading this joyful feeling. Stevie is always happy. It was an atmosphere of joy,” said Combs. “When we got paid at the end of the show, it wasn’t a decision I made. I wish I could say that is what it was. It was just meant to be. It did not come from my head. It came from the atmosphere.”
“The song that inspired the crib purchase is ‘Isn’t she lovely’,” said Barbara Lazarski, Director of Communications and Development at the Center. “She and another musician recently played at our Annual Meeting where a client of ours sang with them.”
Combs has been on the Board of Directors of the Friendship Center for nearly two years.
The mission of the Friendship Center of New Britain is to provide friendship and direct service to the poor and needy of Central Connecticut, including the ownership and operation of housing for the poor.
“I have always been interested in helping the situation when people are to the point that they don’t have the basic necessities,” said Combs. “It is a global problem. I studied in New York and saw a lot of it as a teenager.”
In 2009 Combs lost her husband to leukemia.
“It was a difficult time for me. I understand life’s challenges whether financial or personal,” said Combs. “I felt lost in my own misery and started to think about helping others.”
She found she had a house full of clothes and other objects she could not use.
“I met up with the development director and they welcomed me with open arms and invited me on the board,” Combs said. “Ellen Simpson (executive director) told me this was meant to be. I’ve gained a lot working with them. The clients are teachers. The obstacles that they face are very serious. It’s a very inspiring place to be. I can’t get enough of it.”
Combs said her time spent with Stevie Wonder was also inspiring.
“I was called to do it on a Sunday. We had one rehearsal prior to the concert. I was grateful I was free,” Combs said. “I’ve been around this before and the morale is pretty good, but this group really struck me because of the atmosphere and the people around Stevie.”
The musicians were given a 20 course meal and a table full of desserts. It is rare for this type of meal to be served to back-up players. They also were given gift baskets of candy as a way to show their appreciation.
One of the backup singers was pregnant and Wonder brought her up front and talked about her last child.. He wanted everyone to remember the miracle of birth.
“When I decided to donate my pay, I thought about how to allocate it. When I saw a baby crib was needed, I made the connection,” said Combs. “Stevie Wonder would have been tickled about it. I thought that was perfect.”
The crib has not yet been purchased, but already the donation has made an impact on others.
“I am hoping the infectiousness of giving would spread to more people as a way of life,” said Combs. “At least one donation has come in because of it and my struggling musician friends have offered their services.”
There are several ways to donate. Go to http://friendshipservicecenter.org/donate/ for a list of ways to help out. Volunteers are encouraged to go to http://friendshipservicecenter.org/volunteer.
