Popular Flagstaff festival to donate proceeds to FUSD Foundation to inspire kids in music
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Blues and Brews event-organizers/owner on Jan. 13 announced a community partnership with the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation to benefit the music programs in the Flagstaff Public School District (FUSD).
The Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation enhances the educational experience of FUSD students with the help and support of alumni and community resources. Since 2016, the FUSD Foundation has raised over $74,000, to directly help the Flagstaff Public Schools. The donations come from alumni and community members.
The Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival has donated proceeds to other local school music programs in the past to help motivate and inspire kids with music.
“The majority of school age children aren’t aware of the authentic roots of the Blues and have little chance of learning about the impact it’s had on everything they listen to today,” said Jennifer Grogan, Owner Peak Events/Flagstaff Blues and Brews. “The blues are usually performed in clubs and you won’t see it on MTV, so they have little exposure to this classic art form. By partnering with the foundation we’re hoping to inspire kids to learn more about the blues and keep this traditional American-based music alive in the next generations.”
“We are excited to partner with the Flagstaff Blues and Brews and gratefully welcome their donation to the music programs in the Flagstaff Unified School District,” said Paul Kulpinski, President of the FUSD Foundation Board. “These donations will help the foundation support students with increased access to musical instruments and instruction. We know that when our kids participate in musical programs, their academic achievement increases along with their satisfaction with school and community.”
In the past, the Flagstaff Blues and Brews have donated over $65,000 to local music and arts education programs. This partnership will ensure the funds are now directly benefiting those music programs oftentimes forgotten in the budget process.
“We are grateful that both the Flagstaff Blues and Brews and the FUSD Foundation are coming together for the benefit of our students,” said Flagstaff Unified School District Superintendent Michael Penca. “This is a tremendous opportunity to support music and arts education throughout our community.”
About the Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival – Flagstaff Blues and Brews was started in 2013 as a one-day festival with 1500 attendees. Having been named one of the most beautiful Blues Festivals, Flagstaff Blues and Brews draws an international audience from around the world. In 2019, the event was sold out with over 8,000 attendees. Flagstaff Blues and Brews is held every June in Flagstaff Arizona at the Continental Golf Club. For more information visit: www.flagstaffblues.com
About Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation – The Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation enhances the educational experience of FUSD students with the help and support of alumni and community resources. Providing grants and unique experiences beyond those provided in traditional educational environments, the Foundation works to bring resources to educational leaders for positive student outcomes – academically and socially. www.fusdfoundation.org