Laguna Beach, CA: Laguna Beach’s iconic live music and restaurant venue, The Drake, hosted a sold-out event where philanthropists, industry innovators and exceptional musical talent collided for a cause. Raising $125,000 for the nonprofit collaboration between The Drake Gives and Save the Music Foundation, the proceeds will benefit the music programming within Anaheim’s Public School District. During the event, Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Downing shared the need that exists, and the important role that music education plays within the lives of children. Guests also heard powerful testimony from Phil Villalobos who is a 5th/6th grade music teacher in the Anaheim School District and Sean Oliu, who is a graduate of Anaheim high school and is now a musician in Nashville. Produced by Elite OC Productions, the burgundy and gold themed soiree featured musical talent provided by Cueva Entertainment including Chris Norton, Matt Von Roderick, and Keith Chagall. Chef Paul Gstrein prepared an exceptional three course meal that was complemented by wines selected from Laguna Beach based Arrow&Branch. Outstanding sponsors and donors of the event included Spray-Tech/Junair, Tarsadia Foundation, Spark Grantwriters, Tequila Comisario, Berger Kahn, Arrow&Branch, Sterling Public Relations, The Zandbergen Group, Artes Capital, Sperry Commercial, Guitar Center Foundation, The Guitar Shoppe, Gibson Gives, Lincoln Salazar, and Linda and Burton Young. Auctioneer extraordinaire Zack Krone led the evening’s live auction while Frank Salas Photography captured a vast array of memorable moments throughout the evening.
“The power of passionate people coming together in support of a united cause, never ceases to amaze me. I am grateful beyond words for the support of our event sponsors, donors, and our dedicated team who worked diligently to bring “Groove for Good” to life.” –Alec Glasser, Founder, The Drake and The Drake Gives
About The Drake Gives
The Drake Gives is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to connect, inspire and provide underserved youth with the music education, materials and instruments they need and deserve to fuel their passions and experience the power of music. The Founder of The Drake and The Drake Gives, Alec Glasser, learned to play the saxophone in a public school when he was 12. That experience profoundly shaped his life in ways he never dreamed possible - his wish is for all kids to be able to have the same opportunity in their public school education. Launching in 2001, to date, The Drake Gives has raised over half a million dollars to support Save The Music Foundation, which has funded public music education in underprivileged school districts within Orange County, California. Learn more
HERE.
About Save The Music
The Save The Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For 25 years, Save The Music has addressed the systemic inequities in music education by investing in under-resourced communities across the US – donating school instruments and technology; working as a convener, expert, and catalyst; helping to train and support teachers; and starting and building thousands of new music programs in over 286 school districts nationwide. Learn more
HERE.
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