News Summary
On April 10, The Drake Gives held its fifth annual fundraiser at The Drake Restaurant in Laguna Beach, raising over $750,000 to support music education in the community. The event featured dinner, live performances, and impactful speeches highlighting the transformative role of music education. A live auction with unique experiences further boosted fundraising efforts, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to benefitting underserved youth through music. The Drake Gives has now raised over $750,000 since its inception, reaching over 17,000 students and continuing to drive positive change through music.
Laguna Beach — The fifth annual fundraiser organized by The Drake Gives successfully raised over $750,000 on April 10, significantly benefiting music education in the community. Held at The Drake Restaurant, the event attracted a sold-out crowd and showcased the vital role of music through performances and personal stories.
The evening featured an atmosphere enriched with sunset-hued ombré floral arrangements, creating a vibrant setting for the attendees. Guests enjoyed a five-course dinner complemented by wine pairings expertly crafted by Chefs Paul and Nick Gstrein. The entertainment lineup included renowned trumpeter and vocalist Matt Von Roderick and international singer-songwriter David Aldo, who concluded the program with a memorable performance.
The program also included speeches from key figures involved with The Drake Gives, including founder Alec Glasser and Tonya Hylton, the Western Regional Program Director for Save The Music Foundation. A poignant moment of the evening involved a conversation between Byrant Elementary’s music teacher Frances Azze and sixth-grade student Myah Tapia, highlighting the transformative impact of music education facilitated by The Drake Gives.
The live auction was a highlight for many attendees, offering exclusive experiences such as a getaway for 15 to Turks & Caicos and a VIP Grand Opening package for The Drake On Sunset, which is set to open in winter 2025. This auction, along with corporate sponsorship from organizations like the UCI Foundation, 27 Diamonds Interior Design, and The Drake, contributed significantly to the overall fundraising efforts.
Since its establishment in 2021, The Drake Gives has raised a total of over $750,000, benefiting more than 17,000 students by providing access to essential music education. Glasser emphasized the nonprofit’s commitment to driving generational change through music education and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the community’s support.
The organization was founded by Glasser, who was inspired by his personal experiences in music education. He recognized the need to expand access for underserved youth, leading to the creation of The Drake Gives. In 2022, the organization partnered with Save The Music Foundation, implementing sustainable music programs in Orange County public schools. This partnership has been instrumental in enriching the music education landscape in the area.
In 2023, The Drake Gives launched a new initiative, the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change, which collaborates with UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology. This initiative aims to harness the power of music as a vehicle for social transformation and enhancing overall well-being, demonstrating the organization’s broader commitment to making a positive impact through music.
The success of the annual fundraiser and the ongoing achievements of The Drake Gives reflect its significant role in the community. The organization continues to gain recognition for its efforts in transforming lives through music and ensuring that future generations have access to quality music education.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Independent
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- Laguna Beach Independent
- Google Search: music education fundraisers
- Stu News Laguna
- Google Scholar: music education impact
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
- Laguna Beach Independent Arts
- Google News: The Drake Gives
