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History of Our Programs:
Perform 4 Purpose got its start in the heart of a young musician who wanted to reach out and help a friend. This friend, a classmate in the 6th grade had just been informed he had 6 months to live. Our local community was planning to join together to raise money for medical expenses. As I sat in my studio across from this troubled student, watching him struggle with the F chord, the young guitarist turns to me and says, “Mr. V, could we put on a concert to raise money to save my friend’s life?” Together with fellow students and teachers we put together a performance, one that I will never forget and we raised some money for medical expenses. Partly through the will of this offering and the support of many individuals... this young man became a survivor and as I write this today he is preparing for his high school graduation. Shortly after that, in a conversation with my college bound daughter, we realized how positive an experience this had been for our students. More importantly, if we did it once for one young man than we could do it again and again and help many others. From that day on, we have performed for a purpose. Since that achievement we have organized student funded after school music programs, connecting young students to learning a whole new language and lifestyle. We understand there are many who may not have that opportunity to learn an instrument based on school funding limits, or life circumstances. We have helped send kids to summer camp, filled food pantry shelves, given to homeless shelters and supported wounded soldiers. My hope is that as you read this your mind is turning with ideas of how music and all other forms of artistic expression can be used to help someone in your community. My vision is that you can use the Perform 4 Purpose model to positivity effect your own hometown. You can become involved by hosting a fundraiser or by requesting some P4P performers. Are you a music teacher or community activist who would like to start a Perform 4 Purpose in your city? Maybe you’re a performer, hobbyist or professional touring musician who would like to lend your talents to our mission. We can help you do this! -Jim Van Arsdale, Co-Founder, Vice President, & Music Director Perform 4 Purpose Programs: Student Perform 4 Purpose Events Summer Camp Student Workshops To inquire about Perform 4 Purpose Programs,
please contact our Programs Director, Jennifer Van Arsdale, at programs@perform4purpose.org. |
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