The D’Addario Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose primary mission is to support robust community-based not-for-profit programs bringing quality music education to underserved areas, will partner with Hungry for Music, Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony, Instruments in the Cloud and Lyft to host an instrument collection event at D’Addario & Co. headquarters in Farmingdale, N.Y., on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 1-4 p.m.
Hungry for Music’s “Big Bertha” RV will be on full display in the front parking lot on Smith Street, and volunteers will be there to accept donations of gently used instruments. In addition, Lyft brand ambassadors will be on-hand giving away swag and supporting efforts. For every new Lyft passenger who takes their first ride using code, IMACHAMPION, Lyft will donate $5 to the D’Addario Foundation.
“We have seen a significant uptick in requests for instruments from the many music programs that apply for foundation support. We are determined to fulfill the needs of these programs as completely as possible to ensure that kids are not being turned away for lack of resources,” said Suzanne D’Addario Brouder, executive director of the D’Addario Foundation. “By collaborating with amazing organizations like Hungry for Music, Spirit of Harmony Foundation and Instruments in the Cloud, we maximize our collective goal of making it possible for more children to have access to transformative music education.”
On a biannual basis, the D’Addario Foundation screens and vets hundreds of not-for-profit and school music programs applying for monetary and product support. According to the company, it believes strongly in supporting grassroots community efforts in areas of great need where immersive music education becomes a powerful tool for positive social change.
The D’Addario headquarters is located at 595 Smith Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. The event is open to the public.