FUND
A
s we all know, subjects such as math, English, history
and science are necessary parts of an educational curriculum. These elements set the foundation for success.
But the evidence behind the power of a musical education is
hard to dismiss.
When Lucie Jenny MacCarthy was a 12-year-old immigrant
growing up in Chicago, someone took the time to teach her
how to play the saxophone, but she learned a lot more than
how to play the instrument. She learned self-discipline and
gained self-esteem from her music experience.
Lucie wanted to share her love of music and the many tangible
and intangible benefits of learning how to play an instrument
with others. Learning music motivates; challenges; inspires;
connects ones to their feelings; initiates thoughts and ideas,
as well as provides a means of structuring those thoughts,
ideas and feelings; fosters individual growth and teamwork;
reinforces real world skills; and prepares young minds for
academic success.
Lucie worked with her financial advisors to set up a Donor
Designated Fund at the Community Foundation of Collier County. She designated the proceeds to Champions for
Learning for music education. Priority was given to purchasing
instruments for deserving Collier County students and supplementing the music education budget of Collier County schools.
Over the course of the last several years, the legacy of Lucie
Jenny MacCarthy has been evident in the lives of students
all across our community. A total of $496,148.38 has been
granted to Champions for Learning since 1999 making way
for thousands of students to have experiences with music that
they would not likely have had otherwise.
“From the violins in Pre-K classes, to
the summer band camps for teenagers,
Lucie’s vision to provide instruments
and music experiences to students has
impacted thousands of young people in
Collier County.
fund has been helping the students who need it the most,” says
Susan McManus, president, Champions for Learning.
Through the Community Foundation of Collier County, Lucie
Jenny MacCarthy’s belief that music can make a difference in
the lives of children will live on forever.
The band program at Golden
Gate Middle School has been
supported by the Lucie Jenny
MacCarthy Music Fund in many
ways. When the program first started
to grow in 2007-08, we received money
from Champions for Learning to purchase
approximately $10,000 worth of new
instruments. The majority of our families
are unable to provide an instrument for
their child to use in band class. Through
the grant, we were able to give many more
students the opportunity to participate.
The band program at GGMS now includes
approximately 300 kids and is one of the
biggest and most successful programs in
the district!
—John Rosbottom, Golden Gate Middle School
Band Director
“Pre-K violin lessons help students prepare for kindergarten
and instrumental music programs help students of all ages become lifelong learners. With the guidance of our teachers, this
Community Foundation of Collier County | cfcollier.org
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