Giving the gift of music to Gates County

As I walked out of my son’s piano recital at Ruggero Piano last month, a colorfully-painted piano, decorated with pencils, caught my eye. A sheet on a nearby music stand carried an explanation:

My name is Arnav Subramanya. I am asking for your help in obtaining a new acoustic piano for a rural elementary school in Gates County, North Carolina.

Last year my brother performed with a group at several elementary schools in the eastern counties of our state. He came back with horror stories of elementary schools which thought that a 51 key casio with no pedals and no speakers was a piano. I doubt very much that the students sitting on the gym floor 15 rows back even heard the music being played!

I decided to do something about improving this situation. I can’t fix our country’s budget deficit; but with your help, I can change the musical lives of 1500 elementary school children in one district. To achieve this goal a fund has been set up at Ruggero Piano. 100% of all money donated is going towards the purchase of a studio piano, to include delivery, 2 years of tuning, and a “truck”/dolly for the piano to sit on.

How can you help?

1. Empty your pockets or purse of loose change and place it in the slot located on this box. Every penny counts! Sometimes it’s not the amount that each individual gives, but the amount of individuals who contribute to a cause that makes the difference.

2. Purchase one of the pianos 88 keys – Cost is $145.00 per key
Please make checks out to: Ruggero Piano – Credit card donations can be made by calling 919-839-2040

3. Pass it on – Spread the word! – Get involved – Get your office, church group, school music group, friends, etc. to make a donation – Any amount is accepted!
NOTE: Be sure to put “Gates County Piano” on the memo line at the bottom of all check donations.

When? Donations are being accepted from September 24, 2012 – January 11, 2013.

Music has greatly enriched my life. It is my hope that this piano will bring the joy of music to students in this rural area of North Carolina for many years to come. Please help me make this happen for this community.

Your help is appreciated. MANY THANKS!

Arnav
(A high school student in Chapel Hill)

Arnav has set up a Facebook page in support of this mission, 88 Keys for Gates County Schools. His Gmail email address is ArnavSubramanya1.

Donations can be made out to:

Ruggero Piano
4720 Hargrove Road
Raleigh, NC 27616

Credit cards can be accepted by phone at 919-839-2040.

Good luck, Arnav, and thanks for stepping up!