Benefit Dinner for The Music Foundation

The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida’s 20th annual benefit dinner, Honoring the Past, Present and Future, is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, at The Helm Club at The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club in Fort Myers. The fundraising celebration includes a social hour and silent auction followed by dinner and performances by the foundation’s 2019 high school scholarship recipients and celebrated violinist, Reiko Niiya. 

Special to SW FL Parent & Child

Reiko Niiya

The event will also recognize those who have guided The Music Foundation to be the organization that it is today, those who currently support it, and those who are its future. The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida was founded in 1991 as the Jennifer Craig Memorial Fund Summer Music Camp after a young music student who was the victim of a drunk driving accident.

Two award-winning High School Music Program Scholarship winners will perform at the showcase dinner: Lexi McQueary on French horn and Gus Bahruth on alto saxophone. Professional musicians, including Reiko Niiya, Concertmaster of the Southwest Florida Symphony, will also perform.

Dorothy Rodwell, president of the board of The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida, said, “Honoring all the folks who have been stewards for the vision of The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida for 29 years is a tall order. But this year we will begin that process and honor Ruth Christman for her work from almost the very beginning. The dinner is also an opportunity to connect with musicians and hear about our dynamic plans for this year and beyond.”

The annual event is the main source of support for the programs that The Music Foundation sponsors. The nonprofit’s mission is to offer programs that reach out to young people in the community, including the Summer Music & Arts Camps, Fifth Grade Travelling Instrument Program, Double Reed & Music Festivals and High School Summer Music Camp Scholarships. Each year The Music Foundation benefits more than 4,000 students with its programs and awards $12,000 to $16,000 each year to disadvantaged and deserving students. 

Cost: $50

For tickets or information, call Ruth Christman at 239-275-0057 or visit music-foundation.org.