Roland U.S. was the title sponsor for the recent BRIDGES benefit gala and concert in Seattle, in support of the Children’s Music Foundation (CMF). Founded in 2009, CMF was created exclusively to promote the study of music as an educational tool in our elementary schools, to support school music programs, and to promote music in education throughout the United States. The gala was emceed by former KING 5 News anchor Meg Coyle, and was attended by music education supporters and rock and roll VIPs. It consisted of a cocktail reception and dinner at Seattle’s Triple Door, followed by a live auction (auctioneered by Seattle radio/TV personality Mark Christopher) and concert entertainment, culminating in a Brazilian music showcase. Included in the auction was a Roland HPi-50e digital piano with a rosewood finish, as well as a Roland V-Guitar GC-1 and accompanying BOSS pedals: a DS-1 Distortion pedal signed by Roland artist Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), and a TU-3 Chromatic Pedal tuner signed by guitarist Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson).
Greg Scruggs, defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks, bid fervently and won the guitar and pedals. He later posed for photos with guests, letting some of them wear his Super Bowl ring.
Roland U.S. CEO/president Jay Wanamaker said, “With more and more schools lacking funds to offer music education, organizations such as CMF are becoming more vital to the future of our children, and we are proud to share in their mission.”
Rourke O’Brien, president and founder of CMF, remarked, “We are committed to bringing music education into more of our country’s schools, and with assistance from long-time music education advocates such as Roland, we’re able to expand the reach of our programs each year.”
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