abcfinal - Page: 1 of 1

You have all heard the expression "It's as easy as ABC!" Well, "ABC" is the buzz word that encompasses many aspects of the Music Fund's next fundraiser which will honor Anthony's 33rd birthday on August 17.

Firstly, ABC implies simplicity, and simple, indeed, is the format of this campaign. There will be no drawings, matching challenges or Honor Roll incentives. Just straightforward, tax-deduction eligible donations.

Next, ABC conjures up the idea of easy-to-accomplish. We think that our goal of raising $1,000 is very realistic --- that is, of course, with everyone's help! Remember, with many people contributing a little, the dollars really add up.

ABC also brings to mind educational institutions, and in this case, the beneficiary of our efforts will be none other than the F.C.J. Secondary School (Anthony's alma mater) in Bunclody, County Wexford, Ireland.

Finally, ABC is the acronym for the item we hope to underwrite for F.C.J. ---

You may recall that in March 2004, the Board approved two expenditures for F.C.J.'s music department; one for a Sibelius software program, and one for a digital projector and monitor (part of a digital projector/monitor/computer combination package). Since there were not sufficient funds at that time to purchase the computer component, we resolved to make the acquisition of the computer a top priority.

To understand just how meaningful our gifts are to F.C.J., you might be interested in this
November 11, 2003 email from Eileen Martin, School Secretary and Administrator of the Band:

" When Ann (Band treasurer), Gearoid (Band director) and I sat down in early September to think and plan, we decided to be dreamers as well as practical people… So we really worked on the premise that we could properly equip a music room for FCJ for the 21st century and that all the obstacles in the way would gradually be overcome! We will have a room with all … a modern music student needs … a proper library of music; a computer and digital projector; 3 keyboards which can be linked to the computer etc.; good amps; the Sibelius software which is incredibly useful; a real music board (i.e. with lines for writing music already on it - he's (Gearoid) never had one of those!)."

If you would like to wish Anthony a Happy Birthday and help the dreamers overcome the obstacles at the same time, please send your contribution (checks made payable to ANTHONY KEARNS MUSIC FUND) to:

ABC's for FCJ
Anthony Kearns Music Fund
19100 Shaker Boulevard
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
USA

As in the past, an ongoing tally will be posted here on the website. Should donations exceed the $1,000 goal, the overage will go to the general fund for future projects.

Finally, for those who are interested in sending a personal birthday greeting to Anthony, feel free to include a card with your donation. Cards will be forwarded to Anthony's address in Dublin at the conclusion of the fundraiser which ends on his birthday, August 17, 2004.

Once again, Music Fund and Anthony Kearns supporters met the challenge face on!!! Our original goal for this fundraiser was $1,000 to cover the cost of a computer for the music program at F.C.J. Secondary School in Bunclody, County Wexford, Ireland. But because of the overwhelming response early on in the campaign, the bar was raised to $3,300 (a symbolic gesture to honor Anthony's 33rd birthday). Apparently this group of enthusiastic donors thrives on challenges because, when the last gift was counted, the tally was $3,440.00.

Even with the current unfavorable U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate, it appears that the F.C.J. Band has its computer! In addition, perhaps some deserving student will get the music lessons he/she can't otherwise afford. Or maybe there's another Irish Traditional Music group that needs help buying a piano. The possibilities are endless. How nice to know that some extra funds are available when the next request is made!

Besides thanking everyone who contributed to this annual "birthday gift" to Anthony, the Music Fund would like to recognize and welcome the twelve first-time contributors to this fundraiser. An expanded donor base is a good sign that word of the Music Fund is spreading, that our mission to help nurture the young musicians of tomorrow is valid and true, and that Anthony's celebrity as a world class tenor is on the rise. Simply put, thank you all so very much!