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For a little more than a decade Copper Country youth have had an option to learn music for free. Thanks in great part to the Dan Schmitt gift of music. Throughout the year music teachers with the Gift of Music help share their creative talents with youth in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Allowing youth a creative outlet to express themselves.
It’s not a measurable outcome so to speak. But to me, knowing that students are feeling good about themselves and gaining self-esteem. Maybe they aren’t the best athlete or strongest student in the classroom. This is something that we can give them. And I just love our instructors, Jacob Tenharmse and John Snyder, they have a very laid-back approach to teaching students and are very welcoming of whatever students come their way. – Charmaine Parsons, Treasurer, Dan Schmitt’s Gift of Music
Dan Schmitt Gift of Music Treasurer Charmane Parsons, says that the group even helps students afford to purchase instruments. Beyond the music lessons, she says that the non-profit invites kids to the family farm during the summer to learn about gardening and nutrition.
It supports our programs here in the copper country. If we didn’t have it we would not be able to offer free lessons. Or they would be very limited. Like right now we do have a waiting list for our pian instructor. We could not afford to provide these lessons, and programs without supportive fundraising opportunities like Giving Tuesday. – Charmaine Parsons, Treasurer, Dan Schmitt’s Gift of Music
The Dan Schmitt gift of music has partnered with Copper Shores’ Giving Tuesday event over the past four years. Which Parsons says has made a tremendous difference in the community’s awareness of their programs and music lessons for area youth. This past year the group was able to help over 20 students continue their passion for music.
Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about Dan Schmitt’s Gift of Music here.
