This is a time when non-profit groups, charities and community services are doing it tough — coping with the an ever-increasing demand for their services in addition to dwindling funding.

Groups like the Boys and Girls Club need their champions if they are to keep providing a vital and unique service to the young people of the Eastside.

In Evan Nelson, a senior at Redmond High School and Sammamish resident, they have one.

Nelson, an accomplished pianist with nine years of training, entertained a crowd at NW Pianos in Bellevue on Saturday, Oct. 3 in a benefit concert for the Redmond Boys and Girls Club.

Ticket donations and sales of his CDs raised nearly $700 for the club, where he has participated in programs over the years.

Nelson’s repertoire included pieces composed by Beethoven, Chopin and Tchaikovsky.

The event was originally going to be part of Evan’s senior culminating project (CP). With a change in the CP requirements this year and school budget cuts, it was not feasible to proceed as expected.

Determined to hold the concert, Evan pursued other avenues. NW Pianos heard about Evan’s dilemma and donated their store space for his concert.

“My parents organized many of the details so that I could focus on the music and not have to worry about the planning,” Evan said.

About his performance Evan said, “I was nervous at first, but after the first piece of the night, everything else felt natural and easy.”

Asked about what’s next in his new found ‘career’, Evan noted that he would probably do some performances at local nursing homes and retirement centers. He also has a full plate with his senior year and planning for college. He plans to major in engineering, but also wants to continue with his piano training.

Congratulations Evan on both your talent and generosity.