The Music Empowers Foundation has announced the launch of its latest online fundraiser, “Music Matters.”
With a goal of raising $50,000, Music Empowers hopes to continue its mission of helping to bring innovative music education programs to children in underserved communities across the country. The fundraiser kicked off March 1 and will run throughout Music in our Schools Month, ending at midnight on March 31.
Music Empowers is calling upon some of its most ardent supporters – American Idol winner and platinum recording artist, Kris Allen, and E-Street band guitarist and star of HBO’s The Sopranos, Steven Van Zandt – to help spread the word about Music Matters. They tell us why “music [education] matters” to them, and why it should to everyone, in video vignettes to be aired on the Music Matters giving page as well as the Music Empowers Facebook page.
As Kris Allen states, “To me, music education is vital to every kid’s development, and it can change their lives. I know that if I hadn’t had access to music programs in school that I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Similarly, Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org maintains that “Music education is part of a complete education. It helps students improve in their studies and develop their confidence and self-esteem.”
To add even more excitement, the fundraiser will feature an online auction of high-profile music items such as autographed guitars from Kris Allen, Elvis Costello, Chris Daughtry, and members of the band Daughtry, a “Rocket Man – Number Ones” CD set signed by Elton John, and autographed drum sticks from Neil Peart of Rush.
The Foundation also announced as a special incentive for early donors, the first 200 people to donate $50 or more would receive a special DonorsChoose.org gift card from Music Empowers and Kris Allen.
According to Steven Van Zandt, “the government is for the most part not [providing for music education] so we have to do it.” Through the charitable giving of Music Empowers, children will have the chance to create and succeed, and as Van Zandt says, “experience the wonderful gift of music.”
To make a donation, please visit the Music Matters custom giving page.
