Rebuilding/Non-Profit/Funding

[Joseph Garrett]

Terry,
Several things come to mind. First thing is, try to find someone who is good
at applying for Grants. There thousands of them being given out and all for
the asking and proper application therein. Second, they might affiliate with
a local thespian organization to pool their resources. In our communitee(?)
Musicals, and especially ones involving children can be a big draw. The box
office virtually is a bee hive of activity!
Regards,
Joe Garrett
----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2001 9:02 AM
Subject: Rebuilding/Non-Profit/Funding


> Does anyone have any experience/ideas for creating/organizing a funding
> drive to raise $50,000-plus to pay for complete rebuilding of two pianos
and
> a few related expenses?
>
> I do pro-bono tuning (and light repairs) for the local Friday Morning
> Musicale (it is an association of music & performing arts teachers that
use
> the facility for recitals (young piano students), etc.). The group
> (non-profit) owns a lovely theatre and has a 1950 S&S "B" and a 1920 S&S
> "L". They also rent out the facility whenever possible for performance
> events - such as the Florida Chamber Orchestra. The pianos are in original
> (or nearly so) condition - you've seen 'em - play like trucks, horrible
bass
> sections, treble sections horribly unclear, etc. IMHO, they will not
realize
> anywhere near their potential until they are completely rebuilt. I am
aware
> that the Friday Morning Musicale board members would like to upgrade the
> pianos.
>
> Here is the problem: This group doesn't have the money to hire a caretaker
> for the building or paint the walls - let alone dump $40,000-plus into two
> pianos (they need a climate-controlled storage room and a caretaker to
> prevent (minimize)piano abuse). It's just a few elderly ladies that
> volunteer their time to keep the place going and membership fees that pay
> the taxes and whatever.
>
> Has anyone ever organized something of this nature? Does anyone know of
> anyone that has organized something of this nature?
>
> Last week I read in the local paper that a new US Navy destroyer
> (battleship?) will be christened in Tampa next month. A local group did a
> funding drive and raised $100,000 for a day-long party to celebrate the
> christening of the ship. I know absolutely nothing about funding drives,
but
> I think the local christening party funding success clearly indicates that
> my area can raise these kinds of funds. There must be some way to raise
> funding for a couple pianos that would greatly benefit children of the
area
> and the local arts. Any ideas?????
>
> Terry Farrell
> Piano Tuning & Service
> Tampa, Florida
> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
>