On December 1, the D’Addario Foundation partnered with Hungry for Music, Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony, Instruments in the Cloud, and the Chicago Federation of Musicians to hold an instrument collection event at the Ace Hotel Chicago.
Support for the Chicago event was strong with a total of 65 instruments collected. Among the donors were representatives from local music retailers and music schools, and even a young boy who generously donated the instruments he collected on his own for a community service project. There was also a special performance by Fernando Jones & Friends. At the close of the event, instruments were loaded onto Hungry for Music’s RV where, once refurbished, they will be on their way to students in need.
On a biannual basis, the D’Addario Foundation vets hundreds of not-for-profit and school music programs applying for monetary and product support. Programs supported by the Foundation have proven positive academic and social outcomes for students participating, especially those most at-risk and in need of a safe and nurturing community to express themselves.
“Many of the programs that apply for support from the D’Addario Foundation have instrument needs. Lack of instruments equates to more children on waiting lists hoping for spots in these vital programs, so donating an instrument is a very direct way to make an instant impact,” said Suzanne D’Addario Brouder, executive director of the D’Addario Foundation. “We hope to replicate these instrument drives in cities across the US with amazing community partners like the Ace Hotel.”
