Please Donate!

We are in the final week of the Bands of America fundraising efforts to keep the program alive. If you have not already donated to the program, please consider doing so. We all know that the economy sucks right now, but this is really a cause worth donating to. Because of the Bands of America program, our lives - as musicians at Marian Catholic High School - were extremely enriched. I cannot begin to imagine my high school career without the incredible life changing experience I had playing tenor sax in marching band, playing bassoon in symphonic band and participating as a dum major during the 1998 marching band season. Bands of America gave MCHS goals to strive for. The MCHS band program and the BOA progam gave us pride, leadership, work ethic, dedication, commitment and incredible experiences. So often nowadays we hear people complain about how kids are lazy or involved in the wrong kinds of activities. You can make a difference by contributing to the BOA campaign and keeping these students and musicians in the right kind of program. Whether you can donate $20 or $200, your donation WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! If you have not already donated, please do so right away.

Below is a video of our high school band director, Greg Bimm, talking with BOA about this fundraiser and about how MCHS has benefited from BOA since 1981. Let's keep this relationship going!!! Below the video is the latest update from the BOA fundraising efforts along with a link to make a donation.



I am proud to see that Marian has raised over $12,000.00 already, but I know we can do more! Even if each person donated just $10, a giant impact would be made in helping BOA reach their goal. Remember that these donations ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE! You will receive a tax deduction receipt in the mail along with an email receipt confirmation to deduct from your 2009 taxes.

BOA Alumni Campaign kicks off its final week with a $50,000 challenge gift from Guitar Center!

The Campaign goal of $250,000 by February 28, 2009 now within $77,000 On late Friday, I received a call informing me that Marty Albertson, the Chairman and CEO of Guitar Center, was committing a $50,000 challenge gift to Music for All. Marty said, "I am confident that Music for All is an organization that leads in music educator development; this gift is a result of our commitment to build professional and financial support to positively impact music education," he added. For those still on the sidelines, I hope this generous challenge gift will encourage you to participate.

Guitar Center will match the first $50,000 of contributions made during this final week. For those who have displayed their pride and commitment by contributing, thank you! We are thrilled to report that nearly 1,000 new donors have stepped forward from 170 different programs. But we have not come close to reaching the numerous alumni, educators, parents and grandparents that have been a part of BOA's 34 year history. We need everyone to assist us in reaching the 1.25 million people who have been personally impacted by Music for All's Bands of America programming.

Here is how everyone can help!
See the School Representation chart to see if your favorite program is represented on the letter jacket
Determine how much is needed to move your program to the next patch level
Send your personal testimonial and campaign link to 10 people and request that they at least match your donation
Ask that each recipient of your message send their testimonial and the campaign link to 10 more people that will then do the same

If we all band together, we will achieve the campaign goal and receive Guitar Center's generous gift. Music for All's Leadership Team Steps Up with their Own Challenge During the last CEO Chat session, Scott Lang donated one, 2.5 hour leadership workshop to the school that raises the most on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Scott then challenged Fran Kick and Tim Lautzenheiser to follow his lead by donating the same on Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, respectively. Both Fran and Tim accepted the challenge. *As a result, three schools will receive a great bonus for supporting the campaign. Thank you to Scott, Fran and Tim for your kind contributions.

Please remember that the PULLANTHROPY bonus card offer expires on Saturday February 28, 2009. All contracts committing to the fundraiser must be signed by Saturday. The actual fundraising can take place anytime before the end of the 2009 school year. A signed agreement will allow us to book a $1,000 campaign pledge. Download a pdf of the PULLANTHROPY agreement for your consideration. Visit the website for more information. Please know that I am humbled by the incredible support provided by so many. Furthermore, I am inspired by the heart-felt stories that have been shared over the past couple of months. Through your support, we will continue the tradition for generations to come.

If you haven't made your contribution yet, at whatever level, do it now, and if you have, thank you, and tell more friends! With your help we will be successful. Warmest regards, L. Scott McCormick President and CEO P.S. Don't miss the CEO Chat this Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 9:00 p.m. EST. Bookmark the page and read the previous chat transcripts!