By Cheryl Blackerby
Timolin Cole and Casey Cole, sisters of the late Natalie Cole and twin daughters of legendary singer Nat King Cole, were excited to hear that family friend Patti LaBelle would be performing at the Boca West Community Charitable Foundation’s annual Concert for the Children on April 5.
A tribute to Grammy Award-winner Natalie Cole, who was originally scheduled to perform at the event, will be included in the concert.
Diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension after a kidney transplant in 2009, Natalie Cole died Dec. 31 after struggling with multiple health problems, said Timolin Cole.
“I think it’s so wonderful that Patti LaBelle has stepped up to do this event,” Timolin Cole said. “Boca West is known for putting on such great concerts at their outdoor venues. And the fact that it’s a tribute to our sister, I think it’s a great combination.”
The concert at Boca West Country Club and a Golf Challenge on April 4 will benefit 21 charities for at-risk children and their families in Boca Raton and south Palm Beach County.
The Cole sisters’ music foundation, Nat King Cole Generation Hope, is one of those charities. Generation Hope has helped more than 40 schools and music programs, supporting mentoring and teaching, collecting and refurbishing used instruments and supplying new instruments.
Patti LaBelle replaced Aretha Franklin, who was scheduled to stand in for Natalie Cole but had to cancel because of health problems.
“Patti was, needless to say, devastated when she heard of Natalie’s passing, and she just really feels honored to be able to give a tribute to her in this way,” said Casey Cole. “We all are very pleased and very happy that Patti will be doing this.”
The Cole sisters, both Boca Raton residents, started Nat King Cole Generation Hope in 2008 to provide music education to children with the greatest need and fewest resources in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. When budget cuts hit South Florida schools, music programs were among the first to go. That’s when they sprang into action.
Their pet project is the Summer Strings Concert at Lynn University, the exciting finale of a strings camp for 80 to 100 students.
“We will be extending it from one week to a two-week program this summer, and that’s because the Boca Foundation increased their support and funding for us.
“We are thrilled about that,” said Timolin Cole.
One of the sisters’ projects is providing guitars for Guitars Over Guns, headed by Chad Bernstein, who founded the program at two middle schools in North Miami. Bernstein was named a CNN Hero in 2015 because of his program.
The sisters said Natalie Cole was a big supporter of their foundation, and they know their father would have been, too.
“Our father stressed patience, perseverance and passion. And you can add goodwill and humility. That’s what resonated with their fans,” said Timolin Cole.
If You Go
What: Golf Challenge
When: 11 a.m. April 4 (1 p.m. tee time; 5:30 p.m. cocktail party and awards)
Where: Boca West Country Club, Boca Raton
Cost: Player spots are $600 and include a ticket for the concert. Additional cocktail party tickets are $150.
What: Concert for the Children, with the Atlantic City Boys and Patti LaBelle
When: 8 p.m. April 5 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Akoya Amphitheatre, Great Lawn of the Boca West Country Club, Boca Raton
Cost: $175; seats will be assigned by lottery
Information for both events: 488-6980 or foundation@bocawestcc.org
The Nat King Cole foundation needs volunteers, old and new musical instruments and donations. 213-8209; www.natkingcolegenhope.org.
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