Partners aim to help schools stockpile musical instruments

The District 300 Foundation is partnering with Algonquin Commons Shopping Center and Houlihan's Algonquin restaurant to create the first instrument drive for students throughout District 300 schools.

On Saturday, April 17, the Algonquin Commons mall office will serve as a drop off location for new and gently used musical instruments which will be used to develop a "lending library" for middle school children interested in music education.

People who donate instruments on April 17 will receive a free appetizer from Houlihan's and be entered in a drawing for a $100 Houlihan's gift card.

"Houlihan's and Algonquin Commons have always been very supportive of our schools and our community, and we are thrilled that they are partnering with the foundation to help raise awareness and instruments for music education in our middle schools," said Diane Magerko, the District 300 Foundation's Performing and Fine Arts Chair. "With widespread budget cuts and lack of public funds, our schools depend on fundraising and the goodwill of partners like Algonquin Commons and Houlihan's to provide their students with instruments."

"We strongly believe that every child should have the chance to play an instrument, join a school band, and enjoy the many benefits music brings to life," said Nick Izzo, general manager of Houlihan's restaurant in Algonquin. "In partnering with District 300 Foundation, we hope to help promote music education in our schools and generate awareness about the fact that many kids are growing up without access to instruments or music programs."

In addition to partnering with local school districts to help restore instrumental music programs in the nation's public schools, Houlihan's also has a national partnership with VH1 Save The Music Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's education

To view some of the projects and grants the foundation has funded, visit d300foundation.org.