News Summary
Laguna Beach hosted a successful fundraising evening at The Drake Restaurant to support music education for underserved children. The event, organized by The Drake Gives, featured captivating performances, emotional testimonials, a gourmet dinner, and a live auction. Key figures shared heartfelt stories, highlighting the impact of music education. With over $750,000 raised to date, The Drake Gives continues to empower students with access to music, collaborating with Save The Music Foundation and UC Irvine to enhance programs and promote the benefits of music in children’s lives.
Laguna Beach Lights Up with Fundraising Evening for Music Education
On April 10, the stunning city of Laguna Beach played host to a fantastic fundraising evening at The Drake Restaurant, where music lovers gathered for a sold-out event that turned out to be a true celebration of the arts. The festivities were orchestrated by The Drake Gives, a nonprofit on a mission to ensure that the magic of music education is available to every child, especially those in underserved communities.
The event was nothing short of enchanting, with sunset-inspired ombré floral arrangements that created an immersive atmosphere, setting the perfect mood for an evening filled with inspiration and generosity. Gathering some of the most talented musicians, the night featured captivating performances by the world-class trumpeter and vocalist, Matt Von Roderick, who surely left a lasting impression on the audience.
Emotional Testimonials and Heartwarming Stories
While the performances were dazzling, some of the most moving moments came from the heartwarming speeches delivered by key figures associated with The Drake Gives. Founder Alec Glasser, along with Tonya Hylton, the Western Regional Program Director of Save The Music, took a moment to emphasize the significant impact of music education in children’s lives. It was particularly touching when Byrant Elementary’s dedicated music teacher, Frances Azze, alongside a vibrant sixth-grader, Myah Tapia, shared their personal stories of how The Drake Gives has influenced their educational journey and how it continues to enrich their community.
Culinary Delights and Live Auctions
Guests were treated to a mouthwatering five-course dinner paired with exquisite wines, lovingly crafted by the talented chefs Paul and Nick Gstrein. Each bite was a testament to the culinary art, complementing the evening’s artistic theme. But the excitement didn’t stop there! A live auction unfolded, featuring high-end experiences like an extravagant Turks & Caicos getaway for 15 lucky bidders and a VIP Grand Opening package for The Drake On Sunset, set to open its doors in winter 2025. The auction alone showed how much the community wanted to support music education!
A Night to Remember
As if the event could not get any better, the renowned international singer-songwriter David Aldo wrapped up the evening with a series of soulful performances that resonated with the audience, leaving them spellbound. It was truly a fitting conclusion to a night aimed at supporting a noble cause.
The Drake Gives: A Transformative Journey
Since its launch, The Drake Gives has become a powerhouse in the realm of music education. The organization has successfully raised over $750,000 and has empowered more than 17,000 students with access to the joys and benefits of music. Founded in 2021, The Drake Gives was inspired by Glasser’s own experience of learning saxophone in public school, driving the vision that every child deserves the chance to discover the magic of music.
In collaboration with the Save The Music Foundation, The Drake Gives introduced sustainable music programs across Orange County’s public schools in 2022. Following that, a new milestone was reached in 2023 when they partnered with UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology to launch the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change. This new initiative aims to highlight the role of music as a catalyst for individual growth, social transformation, and community well-being, making waves both locally and globally.
For anyone looking to join the effort in enhancing music education, it’s easy to find more details through their website, ensuring that the love for music continues to play on for generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: The Drake Gives Annual Fundraiser
- Laguna Beach Indy: The Drake Gives Hits High Note
- Stu News Laguna: The Drake Gives 5th Annual Fundraiser
- Los Angeles Times: Food Fans Satisfy Their Hunger at the Taste of Laguna
- Wikipedia: Music Education
