Guests enjoy an evening of music and fundraising for music education.
The Drake Gives successfully hosted its fifth annual fundraising event on April 10, raising over $125,000 for music education in underserved schools in Orange County. Attended by a sold-out crowd, the evening featured captivating performances, inspiring speeches, and a five-course dinner crafted by a celebrated chef. Key sponsors included the UCI Foundation and 27 Diamonds, highlighting community support for music access. The event celebrated the impactful work of The Drake Gives in providing music education to more than 17,000 students and fostering intergenerational change.
The evening began with a captivating performance featuring renowned trumpeter and vocalist Matt Von Roderick, setting the tone for a night filled with entertainment and generosity. Guests were welcomed into an atmosphere enriched by vibrant sunset-inspired ombré floral arrangements, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
Inspiring speeches highlighted the importance of music education in shaping lives. The founder of The Drake Gives, Alec Glasser, and Tonya Hylton, the Western Regional Program Director for Save The Music Foundation, encouraged attendees to recognize the transformative power of music for young learners. Frances Azze, a music teacher from Bryant Elementary, alongside sixth-grade student Myah Tapia, shared their personal stories about how The Drake Gives has positively influenced their lives and experiences in music.
For dinner, attendees enjoyed a delectable five-course meal crafted by Chef Paul Gstrein, paired with carefully selected wines. The culinary experience was complemented by a spirited live auction that featured exclusive offerings, including a luxurious Turks & Caicos getaway for 15 and a VIP package for the anticipated Drake On Sunset, which is slated to open in winter 2025.
The evening concluded with powerhouse performances from international singer-songwriter David Aldo, who engaged the crowd on the dance floor and ensured the celebration ended on a high note.
Key sponsors played a vital role in supporting the event and its mission. Prominent contributors included the UCI Foundation, 27 Diamonds Interior Design, and The Drake itself. Their participation underscored the community’s commitment to enhancing music education opportunities for youth in the area.
Since its inception in 2021, The Drake Gives has made significant progress, amassing over $750,000 in funds and providing music education access to more than 17,000 students. The organization is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear mission to expand music education, operating under the philosophy that music can drive intergenerational change and foster significant growth among young people.
In 2022, The Drake Gives partnered with the Save The Music Foundation with the goal of establishing sustainable music programs in local public schools. This collaboration focuses on providing students with access to musical instruments and quality instruction, ensuring that music education is more attainable for children in need.
In 2023, The Drake Gives launched a new initiative called The Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change in partnership with UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology. This center is dedicated to exploring how music can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and social transformation, furthering the organization’s commitment to using music as a tool for positive change in the community.
The success of the fundraising event underscores the crucial need for continued support and funding for music education programs, particularly for underserved communities. As The Drake Gives looks to the future, the enthusiasm displayed at this event is a strong indication of the ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where music can flourish and positively impact the lives of countless young people across Orange County.
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