11-year-old pianist brings Christmas joy at Cape Coral Publix to help others

Reporter: Zach Oliveri
Published: Updated:
Sawyer Whitemiller, 11, and his grandmother.

There’s more than just groceries at one Publix supermarket. You can now get food and a show, as one boy is helping raise money for those in need this holiday season.

The 11-year-old music star, Sawyer Whitemiller, has been playing the piano since he was four, and now, he’s hitting all the right notes for charity. Giving back just like the rest of his family.

From The First Noel to Holly Jolly Christmas, he lives to play the piano, anytime, anyplace.

“I’m not just doing it for my pleasure,” Sawyer said, “but I’m actually doing it for other people.”

On Thursday he played in front of the Publix Super Market at Coral Pointe Shopping Center, 1631 Del Prado Blvd S. hoping to help fill a Salvation Army Kettle.

“It’s a good way to spread holiday cheer,” Sawyer explained. “It’s a good way to help out people and it’s what I love to do.”

Sawyer might be a kid but he plays like a virtuoso in the making. And he uses his music to honor his grandma.

“My grandma loved it and she died three years ago. So every day I practice and I play for her. As a memory.”

His mom, Michelle White, said, “Now he’s sharing it with others and it almost seems like we’ve continued to be connected through that piano playing.”

Sawyer says the biggest reward for him is seeing people smile when they hear him play.

His dad, Brian Miller, added, “There’s nothing better than seeing the smile on his face when he makes other people smile.”

Sawyer just wants to help others and make people happy, “I want them to almost feel light at a dark time because now is very scary with COVID-19, so it’s a good way to spread cheer to bring joy, especially around the holidays when we most need it.”

A Christmas wish we all can appreciate.

Helping the Salvation Army is a family tradition. Sawyer’s father volunteered for them for years, and now, he has his son by his side.

If you want to see Sawyer play those classic holiday hits, he’ll be back out there Friday morning and even some afternoons next week.

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